Hamlet Act 3

Scene 1

1. Does Hamlet Love Ophelia? Explain your answer.
2. Comment on Claudius aside, what does it reveal about his character? How would have the audience responded to the aside? 49-54
3. What evidence is there to suggest that Claudius doubts Hamlets insanity? 160-183
4. How does Claudius intend to deal with Hamlet?
5. What do you think about the way Ophelia and Gertrude are being used? 35-48, 170-181

Scene 2

1. Why does the 'dumb show' preceding the play bring no comment from Claudius?
2. Comment on lines 240-245
3. What is the function of the conversation between Hamlet and his childhood friends?
4. Explain Hamlets attitude towards his mother as revealed in the soliloquy that ends the scene.

Scene 3

1. In 3.3 36-98, Claudius tries to pray, and Hamlet has the opportunity to kill him.
2. What motivates Claudius to pray? Do you think he is sincere? Explain. What does this scene reveal about Claudius? Give specific phrases and lines to support your ideas.
3. Why is Hamlet unable to kill Claudius? What does this reveal about his character? Give evidence to support your response.
4. What do you make of the fact that this is the only scene in which Claudius and Hamlet appear on stage alone? Why do you think Shakespeare does not have any other characters on stage at this moment in the play?