HAMLET ACT 5: Questions
1) What do you feel is the point of the gravedigger’s riddles and song? How does it fit into the play?
The riddles are comic relief, but they also show that the gravedigger probably knows Hamlet. The songs reinforce the themes of love and death, which is ironic because the gravedigger is talking to Hamlet and digging Ophelia's grave.
2) In what ways do Hamlet’s reactions to the skulls in the graveyard seem to suggest a change in his outlook? Compare Hamlet’s attitude towards Yoric to Hamlet’s attitude to Ophelia or even his father? How is it different? How is it similar?
He is more open with his emotions. When the gravedigger tells him that it was Yoric's skull he remembers a time when he was happy, when he didn't have to worry about looking over his shoulder. His father reminds Hamlet that his father his dead and his uncle Claudius murdered him. Ophelia reminds him that the king and Polonius are using the woman that he loves to spy on him and he feels betrayed.
3) How old is Hamlet? How do you know this?
30 years. The gravedigger says he has been working for the king since Hamlet was born 30 years ago. (The same day King Hamlet killed Old Fortinbras)
4) What does the violent argument between Hamlet and Laertes add to the play?
Action! He says that he is the Dane. This is one of the only times that Hamlet shows interesting in being king.
Hamlet and Laertes are also saying that they both love Ophelia. Laertes is also a little crazy because he jumps into his sister's grave.
5) What developments in Hamlet’s character are presented through the story of what happened on the boat? (V.ii 1-62). How has Hamlet changed?
He is willing to get rid of his childhood friends. He dishonesty and betrayal totally offends him, he thinks it is the worst thing that a person could do. He finally starts taking actions.
6) How do Hamlet’s motives in killing Claudius seem to have shifted according to his speech beginning “Does it not, think thee…” (V.ii. 63)
He says that not only has Claudius killed his father and married his mother, he has also taken the throne from Hamlet. Now he will stop at nothing to avenge his father; he is finally going to take actions.
7) What concerns of the play are reinforced in the Osric episode? (V.ii. 80-170)
Osric talks is large words and speaks a lot. Osric is trying to impress Hamlet because he is in a position of power. Osric doesn't need to though because Hamlet doesn't care.
8) Why does Hamlet ‘defy augury’? (V.ii. 204)
He believes that he has to go fight. This is going to happen sooner or later, might as well be now.
9) What does Laertes say is his motive in still resenting Hamlet? How has he already lost this? How does this contribute to the presentation of revenge in the play? (V.ii 216-223)
He wants to protect his honor to be protected. Hamlet kills his father and buries him very quickly and then his sister drowns, Laertes doesn't have much going for him except his honor (what little hasn't been stained by his family's blood).
10) How might the dying lines of Gertrude, Claudius and Laertes be viewed as typical of the way their characters have been presented throughout the play?
Gertrude is saying good bye to the one thing that she actually cares about: her son. I think that she knew the drink was poisoned and was trying to right her wrongs by saving Hamlet.
Claudius is trying to reach out to his friends to get them to help him, but the people don't care. They only respected him because he is the King. He tries to make it all about him again.
Laertes realizes that what he has done is wrong. He isn't a bad guy, he just goes a little crazy when his father dies and his sister drowns.
11) Who “wins” in Hamlet? How and why do you think this?
Fortinbras. He is the only person in the play that is seeking revenge that lives.
