1. HAMLET ACT III FOCUS QUESTIONS Question labeled #1.1 is for scene i
Questions labeled #2.1 are for scenes ii and iii
Questions labeled #3.1 are for scene iv

2. #1.1: “TO BE OR NOT TO BE…”
Revisit Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act III, sc. i (lines ). Translate his thoughts into plain English in 4-5 bullet points.
How does this soliloquy reflect the theme of Action vs. Inaction?

3. #2.1: AFTER ACT III, sc. ii
Discuss the overall significance of acting in Hamlet, both in this scene and elsewhere—think about the idea of appearance vs. reality, or the big idea of deceit.
In what ways is Hamlet acting in his own life? In what ways is Hamlet a player?

4. #2.1: AFTER ACT III, sc. iii
Revisit Claudius’s soliloquy in Act III, sc. iii (lines 37-73; p. 188). What does this tell you about Claudius?
Do you think he’s sincere or not? Explain.

5. #2.1: AFTER ACT III, sc. iii
Revisit Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act III, sc. iii (lines 76-97; p. 190). What do you make of Hamlet’s reasoning here? What do you think is the real reason for his continued hesitation to act? Explain.

6. #3.1: AFTER ACT III, sc. iv
Re-read the argument between Hamlet and Gertrude (pp ). Do you think she knew about Claudius before she married him? Explain.

7. #3.1: AFTER ACT III, sc. iv
Ghost-dad is back! Do you think the ghost is really there talking to Hamlet, or is it a figment of Hamlet’s imagination? What do you make of Hamlet’s mental state here? Explain your response.

8. GROUP WORK
Final project evidence: now that we’ve finished Act III, take some time to note direct quotes and events from the act that you might use in your Hamlet final presentation.
RECORD NOTES ON YOUR GRAPHIC ORGANIZER!