Hamlet Act 2 Questions

Scene 1
1) Summarize Polonius’s instructions to Reynaldo in Scene 1:
2) Ophelia describes in detail Hamlet’s appearance and actions. The details in this
description would convince an Elizabethan audience that Hamlet is mad. Reword
Ophelia’s description in such a way as to convince a modern audience that
Hamlet is mad.

Scene 2
3) Claudius, Polonius, and Gertrude all have different theories about the cause of
Hamlet’s madness. What are they?
4) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been told by the king to spy on Hamlet and
discover the cause of his lunacy. This doesn’t make them very good friends, but
suggest a possible defense for their actions.
5) Assume you were present when Polonius presented his theory to the King. How
would you describe Polonius’ character to a friend or family member?
6) Read the First Player’s speech carefully. Outline what it has in common in terms
of characters and situations with what has transpired in the Danish court.

Hamlet Act 2 Questions

Scene 1
1) Summarize Polonius’s instructions to Reynaldo in Scene 1:
2) Ophelia describes in detail Hamlet’s appearance and actions. The details in this
description would convince an Elizabethan audience that Hamlet is mad. Reword
Ophelia’s description in such a way as to convince a modern audience that
Hamlet is mad.

Scene 2
3) Claudius, Polonius, and Gertrude all have different theories about the cause of
Hamlet’s madness. What are they?
4) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been told by the king to spy on Hamlet and
discover the cause of his lunacy. This doesn’t make them very good friends, but
suggest a possible defense for their actions.
5) Assume you were present when Polonius presented his theory to the King. How
would you describe Polonius’ character to a friend or family member?
6) Read the First Player’s speech carefully. Outline what it has in common in terms
of characters and situations with what has transpired in the Danish court.