Megan Simonson AP Literature Mrs. Richards 10 October 2012 Discussion Questions: Hamlet 1.

Is Hamlets inability to act a tragic flaw that leads to his demise? The murder of Polonius leads to the duel and the deul leads to Hamlets death. The murder of Polonius was caused by Hamlet making a quick and emotional decision rather than waiting a minute or two to consider the possiblity that Polonius was not Claudius. Hamlets downfall began with the murder of Polonius which happened in a very decisive moment. Because Hamlets very decisive moments are the ones that lead him to his downfall, one could argue that his indecisiveness saves him well his quick decisions kill him. Hamlet has many other flaws that could be argued as fatal. If he didnt die it is likely that one of his other flaws would have killed him some other way. Hamlets indecisiveness is caused by outside factors. The only time he changes his mind or ponders a specific action is when he is interrupted by someone or something. Hamlet planned to kill Claudius after the play, but he didnt because Claudius was praying. Claudius actions caused Hamlet to change his mind. When Hamlet kills Polonius, there is nothing that stops him or causes him to think. Who acts more unethically toward the other, Hamlet or Laertes? Hamlet killed Laertes father. Hamlet wasnt trying to kill Polonius; he was trying to kill Claudius. Hamlet had the intention of killing someone. He did not intend to kill Polonius. Laertes intended to kill Hamlet. He did not kill Hamlet on accident. He even rigid the duel. Hamlets kill was accidental. Laertes kill was not. Laertes wouldnt even face Hamlet in a fair duel. Generally speaking, the intent to kill is worse than accidental death. 3. Was it acceptable for Hamlet to treat Rosencratz and Guildenstern as he did? Hamlet sent Rosencratz and Guildenstern to their death because they were disloyal to him, and they were going to be accomplices in his death. It is understandable why Hamlet treated them as he did. He was going to die, and he got upset and killed them instead. He could have escaped without killing them. They betrayed him so he betrayed them. His actions seem a bit inhumane. He killed them and didnt feel the least bit sorry. Hamlet gave them the opportunity to be honest with him and tell him about Claudius and Gertrude, but they didnt take the opportunity. There is not proof in the play that Rosencratz and Guildenstern knew what would happen to Hamlet. Rosencratz and Guildenstern arent very smart and they didnt know that Claudius was a murderous king.