HOMEWORK: ACT 2

Answer only your assigned question with a perfect paragraph.

1. 167 lines into Act 2, we have not actually seen Hamlet. How is this structure similar to that of Act 1? How is it different? Why does Shakespeare start these acts with Hamlet offstage? What effect does it have? What do we learn of Hamlet before his entrance in line 168? Give clear evidence from the text.

2. We’ve seen quite a lot of Polonius in Act 2. Who is this guy? Describe his character. When he claims to have been a faithful and wise advisor to Claudius, can we believe him? Does he know how Claudius came to power? How sure is he that Hamlet’s alleged madness stems from unrequited love? Find examples in the text to prove your points.

3. What’s Claudius up to in Scene 2? Publicly, why does he send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet? Does he have any ulterior motives? From his conversations first with R & G and later with Polonius, what do we learn of his character? Provide evidence from the text.

4. Surveillance and deceit are developing themes in Act 2. How do these themes tie into the rising action? Compare/contrast the surveillance of Laertes and Hamlet. What kind of a country/court is Denmark? What effect does the government’s suspicious nature have upon foreign affairs? How does the situation with Norway seem to be resolving?