Act II. Scene 1. 1. Why does Polonius send Reynaldo to Paris, and what does this tell us about Polonius? What is he willing to allow Reynaldo to do? 1...
Hamlet Study Guide. Answer ALL parts of the question for full credit. Throughout Act II many of the characters play different roles to manipulate others and get what they want. As we read through, think about the roles the different characters play to manipulate others.
Act II Scene 1 1.
Why does Polonius send Reynaldo to Paris, and what does this tell us about Polonius? What is he willing to allow Reynaldo to do? 1.
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Describe Hamlet’s actions when he visits Ophelia. What are some possible reasons for his actions? 1.
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What role was Ophelia playing here? Give evidence of your thinking. 1.
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Scene 2 4.
What roles do the King and Queen ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to play? Why do they agree to it? 1.
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What role(s) does it seem like Polonius is playing with the King and Queen? What shows you this? 1.
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What do Polonius and the King decide to do to find out the cause of Hamlet’s madness? What does this say about Polonius as a father? 1.
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Describe Hamlet and Polonius’s interaction. Why is Hamlet doing this? 1.
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Give at least two examples of jokes or puns that Hamlet plays on Polonius.
9.
Describe Hamlet’s interaction with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? How does he call them out? What warning does he give them that they don’t fully understand? 1.
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Why does the description of the play about Pyrrhus and Priam strike such a chord with Hamlet (Why does the actor get teary eyed in the end)? Lines 450 –519.
11.
Explain Hamlet’s soliloquy at the end of this scene. What is the internal struggle that he is going through? How is he going to try to “catch” his Uncle? How will this “catch” him? 1.
