Act V -- Revenge

Discuss how the theme of revenge is interwoven into this play and finally leads to the tragic conclusion.

Act IV -- Hamlet and Laertes

How is Laertes's situation similar to Hamlet's? How has Shakespeare characterized them differently? Compare and contrast these two important characters in regard to their situations, actions, speech, etc.

Act III --Hamlet's Treatment of Ophelia

Throughout Act 3, Hamlet treats Ophelia particularly harshly. Why? She told her father earlier that Hamlet said he had loved her and showered her with affection. Why the sudden change? What could Hamlet possibly gain from verbally attacking Ophelia? Check the text for the types of things he says to her and support your opinion about why Hamlet is so brutal to Ophelia.

Act II -- Hamlet's Madness

Act 2 introduces the theme of maddness. Is Hamlet really mad, or does he pretend to be mad? Consider his encounters with those trying to entrap him (Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) and his use of puns to turn apparently simple language into ironic expressions. Find an example of one of Hamlet's puns and discuss whether is proves him to be mad or something else...

Act I -- False Appearances

Early in the play Hamlet reveals his disgust for false appearances. Find and discuss an example of his disgust in Act I. What does it reveal about Hamlet's character? About the 'false' characters? What motivations might they have for their actions?