Hamlet Act III

So I just reread Hamlet Act III. This is the best act ever!!! There is so much drama, sexual tension and innuendos, murder...it really is the climax of the play. I wish we were reading it together, but we must move on...

Some major points to think about/remember:

Scene 1:

• Note the famous "to be or not to be" monologue. It is famous for a reason! What is Hamlet pondering? What are his feelings here?
• What does Hamlet really mean when he tells Ophelia (many times) "get thee to a nunnery."? Why is he acting this way towards her?
• What has Claudius decided to do with Hamlet?

Scene 2: The play scene. Very important. Watch for puns and other word play.

• Note the first conversation between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Note all of Hamlet's side comments during the play. What's his motivation? Purpose? The intended outcome?
• What is Claudius' reaction to the play? What does Hamlet think?
• How has Hamlet's feelings towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern changed? Why?

Scene 3:

• Note Claudius' soliloquy. What is he saying?
• Then Hamlet comes in. He has the chance to avenge his father's murder. Why doesn't he?

Scene 4:

• This is the scene in which many scholars see Hamlet's Oedipal Complex. Do you see one?
• Why does he kill Polonius?
• Why does Hamlet think his mother married Claudius so quickly?
• What is Gertrude thinking here?
• Why does the ghost appear again?

So much great stuff here! Shakespeare really was a genius!

Here is a little quiz...test yourself!

http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/quiz/hamquizc.htm