Hamlet Act 2 Study Guide

Section 1: Claudius, Gertrude, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern What can you infer about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s characterization? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are young men, friends of Hamlet, but also eager to ingratiate themselves with the king and queen. What do the king and queen want the two courtiers to do? Claudius and Gertrude want Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to use their friendship with Hamlet to find out what is really going on with him. 3. What does Polonius present to the king and queen as evidence of Hamlet’s madness? What happens to the value of these letters and why? Polonius brings the love letters that Hamlet had once given to Ophelia. The letters ultimately lose their meaning as love tokens by being used as evidence of Hamlet’s madness.

4. Explain the significance of Hamlet’s poem to Ophelia: “Doubt thou the stars are fire,/ Doubt that the sun doth move,/ Doubt truth to be a liar,/ But never doubt I love” (2.2.124-127). Specifically explain the significance of the word “doubt” (think about our discussion on Hamlet’s moral centers). This quote shows that even though love was the only source of value in Hamlet’s life as he doubts everything else is doubted, even love had been adulterated and corrupted.

Section 2: Polonius, Claudius, and Gertrude 5. What news do Voltemand and Cornelius bring? The ambassadors bring the good news that there will be no further conflict with Norway and that Norway has asked for permission to pass through Denmark on their way to war with Poland. 6. How does Polonius explain Hamlet’s strange behavior? Polonius claims that Hamlet must have gone mad from disappointed love. 7. What devious next step does Polonius plan? Polonius will use Ophelia as bait and spy on the young people from behind a curtain.

Section 3: Enter Hamlet 8. How would you describe the interaction between Hamlet and Polonius? Hamlet seems to have little respect for Polonius and treats him like he is a fool.

Section 4: Enter Rosencrantz and Guildenstern 9. How does Hamlet seem to feel about seeing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? He seems genuinely glad to see them. 10. What is he quick to infer about them? How do they respond? He quickly discerns that they have been sent for by the king and queen, and they admit it. He therefore no longer trusts him. 11. Why does Hamlet believe “Denmark’s a prison”? Denmark conflicts with his morals and beliefs.

12. What does Hamlet mean when he says, “[…] there is neither nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so” (2.2.268-270). How does this relate to his present situation? Hamlet believes that thought is needed in order to realize the corruption that is present in Denmark. Hamlet is so conflicted about his present situation because he thinks more than he acts. 13. Hamlet states, “What a piece of work is man, [...]—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me […]” (2.2.327-333). What is Hamlet’s opinion on humans? Hamlet believes humans are meaningless and empty. Hamlet believes that behind what they appear to be, which is an illusion, there is no substance. Hamlet has lost all faith in humankind.

14. What other visitors arrive at the castle 14. What other visitors arrive at the castle? How do they serve as extended metaphors for themes that relate to the book as a whole? The actors arrive to put on a play the next day. Actors and theater serve as a metaphor for the theme of appearance vs. reality. The actor represents the idea that man is only an illusion with no real substance. 15. Before Polonius reenters, what does Hamlet tell his two friends about his antic disposition? Hamlet admits that he is not always crazy, and only acts so at certain times.

Section 5: Enter Polonius, followed by actors 16. What seem to be Hamlet’s attitudes toward Polonius? Toward the players? Again, Hamlet seems to have only mockery for Polonius, but he seems fond of and respectful toward the actors. 17. What court entertainment does Hamlet plan for the following evening? Hamlet has arranged to have the actors perform a play in their repertory, The Murder of Gonzago.

Section 6: Hamlet alone 18. Why is Hamlet angry with himself? Hamlet marvels that the actor could demonstrate such passion for a mere fiction, while he has been idle about the real murder. 19. At the end of the soliloquy, what plan has he concocted? Hamlet plans to somehow use the play as a trap to reveal Claudius’ guilt.

Hamlet’s Third Soliloquy What has provokes Hamlet’s frustration in this soliloquy? Hamlet saw the great passion with which the actor played a role; it caused him to rue his own ineffectual response to his father’s death. What phrase emphasizes Hamlet’s negative view of himself? Hamlet refers to himself as a “rogue and peasant slave”,”a dull and muddy-mettled rascal”, “pigeon-livered”, “an ass”, even “a whore” We see him alone here, with no audience for an antic disposition. Does he seem crazy? Hamlet does not seem crazy, but he seems very frustrated, stressed, and unhappy.

4. The negative ranting is interrupted as Hamlet muses, “Hum 4. The negative ranting is interrupted as Hamlet muses, “Hum.” What plan has come to him? He has a play scheduled for the next night--it might be useful to him in finding out if Claudius is really a murderer. 5. Why does Hamlet feel he should not seek revenge immediately? Hamlet is aware that the ghost might not be his father’s spirit at all, and might have been lying. 6. Hamlet’s first soliloquy shows him to be deeply despondent; the second shows him excited and passionate. How does this one show him? Hamlet begins deeply frustrated with himself but here concludes with a concrete plan. He goes from depressed and highly critical of himself, to a definite and logical plan.