Katie Brugman
Karen Farmer
Kelsey Vela
“Alas, poor Yorick”
1. What is Hamlet’s view on the physical aspects of death, and how does this shed light on his view of the spiritual aspects of death?
2. Does Hamlet see death as something that degenerates or equalizes?
3. Why does the discovery of Yorick’s skull have such a profound impact on Hamlet?
4. What is Hamlet questioning when he asks, “Where be your gibes…. Quite chapfall’n?”
5. What in Hamlet’s life has decayed as Yorick has?
6. What significance did Yorick hold for Hamlet when he was alive? What does he symbolize in death?
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Brittany Banis
Allison Ficht
Sarah Profumo
Hamlet Seminar Questions
“How all occasions do inform against me. . .”
1. How has the example of Fortibras had an effect on Hamlet in this soliloquy? Does Hamlet want to be like Fortinbras?
2. Is Fortinbras a good example for Hamlet? Who is more cowardly?
3. In lines 35-37, Hamlet says, “What is a man if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.” What makes a person a human and not a beast?
4. Hamlet’s closing words are “O, from this time forth my thoughts be bloody or nothing worth!” What is their significance?
5. Does this soliloquy mark a change in Hamlet? If so, how has he changed?
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Kimberly Wall
Liz Banks
Kelsey McCullough
Hamlet
Scene III Act iii "Now I might do it…"
1) Why does Hamlet decide not to kill Claudius?
2) When does Hamlet say he’ll kill Claudius instead?
3) At this point what drives Hamlet? How much has it changed him, his actions, and his thoughts?
4) Does Hamlet still seem sane in this soliloquy?
5) What is ironic (in connection to previous soliloquies) about Hamlet’s decision regarding killing Claudius?
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Kati Farina & Tess Niedermeyer
“To Be Or Not To Be” Soliloquy
What connection is Hamlet making to sleep and death? What is it that fears him about this? (Lines 72-76)
In line 80 Hamlet speaks about “the pangs of despised love.” Is he making this reference due to his admiration specifically for Ophelia or all women?
How is Hamlet’s weakness as a character reflected through this soliloquy?
Is Hamlet actually considering killing himself or is this an over-dramatic internal contemplation?
In your eyes is it a nobler act to take one’s life or to carry on living a miserable and dreadful existence?
Extra Credit
For those in philosophy, how does Hamlet’s view of death compare or contrast to Socrates’ view of death in his Phaedo Apology before he is sentenced to death?
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Alyssa Banks
Kaitlin Larson
Stephanie Watanasutisas
AP English Block A
Hamlet Seminar Questions
“Now I might do it…”
1. What rationale does Hamlet give for not killing his uncle?
2. Is Hamlet’s motive valid or do you feel that Hamlet has an ulterior reason?
3. What plan does Hamlet make concerning the eventual murder of his uncle? How does Hamlet think he is ensuring the fate of his uncle’s soul?
4. Is Hamlet’s reasoning consistent with his character?
5. What conclusion does Hamlet make concerning his father’s after-life situation?
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Megan, Evelyn, and Brianna
Claudius: "O, my offence is rank…"
1.) What is the "primal eldest curse" Claudius refers to at the beginning of the
soliloquy? Does he refer to it later in the soliloquy?
Answer: Claudius is referring to Cain's murder of Abel, and the first curse
which was the result of this murder. The theme of the Bible, Heaven, prayer, and
forgiveness continues throughout the soliloquy as Claudius wonders what
punishment would be fit for him.
2.) What is the "twofold force" in prayer that Claudius speaks of?
Answer: Claudius says that prayer has two forces: to be prevented from being led into temptation, and to be forgiven of the sins that we commit. Claudius is
wondering which of the two will help him, since forgiveness seems to be
impossible as he got away with the murder and retains the “effects of the murder” (Gertrude, his ambition, and his crown).
3.) How does Claudius’ dilemma of whether or not to
confess parallel Hamlet’s question of to be or not to
be? Take account for my actions now or later (in heaven)
4.) What does Claudius say that refutes Hamlet’s excuse
for not killing him in the next speech? He says
repentance wont save him, praying wont save him.
Really sure of his murder?
5.) Does Claudius truly feel that “all may be well’? (based on his
concerns in this speech)
6.) Claudius says, " Pray can I not,/ Though inclination be as sharp as will"
(line 42). What is he saying, and what does it say about his
personality/personal regard?
Answer: Claudius is saying that he wants to pray but cannot, he says that his
guilt is too strong. Claudius seems to be trying to act humble, but one cannot
help to question his humbleness, he may be too proud to pray.
