Discussion Questions for Hamlet

Instructions: Answer the following questions for each scene. Include specific quotations and references (Act, Scene, Lines) wherever possible to support your opinions. Be prepared to post your answers to the discussion platform on Engrade, read your peers posted answers, and discuss your answers with the class.

Act I, Scene i. > Ghost on the Battlements1. As the play opens, what is the mood? Find words or phrases Shakespeare uses to establish this

mood.2. What does the Ghost look like? Do? Say? Use specific references.3. Part of Horatio’s role is to provide exposition. What has happened in Denmark that might warrant a

ghost stalking the castle?4. How has Shakespeare established the credibility of King Hamlet? That is, how do we know that he

was a good king?5. As the scene ends, what is the mood? What has ‘hooked’ the audience?

Act I, Scene ii. > Claudius is King and Hamlet plans to see the Ghost6. The scene opens with Claudius addressing the court. Examine his speech and answer the following:

a) How does he solidify his support for his marriage to Gertrude and his coronation?b) How does his reaction to the Fortinbras situation demonstrate his effectiveness as a ruler?c) What are his feelings towards Laertes and Polonius?

7. Hamlet’s attire and attitude is in stark contrast to the festivity of a coronation. How do Claudius and Gertrude treat his grief? Quote specific lines.

8. Why does Claudius not want Hamlet to return to Wittenburg?9. Paraphrase Hamlet’s first soliloquy.

a) What does it reveal about his feelings towards Gertrude and Claudius?b) What does it reveal about his personality?

10. What do Barnardo, Marcellus, and Horatio reveal to Hamlet? What does Hamlet plan to do and why does he think the Ghost may be appearing? Quote the specific line that indicates his suspicions.

Act I, Scene iii. > Advice for Ophelia and Laertes11. How is Ophelia connected to the men in the play?12. What ‘advice’ does Laertes give to Ophelia? What does his advice reveal about his own character?13. Paraphrase four key points from the ‘advice’ Polonius gives to Laertes.14. What ‘advice’ does Polonius give to Ophelia? What does his advice reveal about his own personal

concerns?15. Who would you describe Polonius’s family (i.e. close, distant, aloof, loving)? Provide specific

evidence to justify your opinion. How does this family dynamic compare to the royal family?16. How does this scene create sympathy for Ophelia and Hamlet?

Act I, Scene iv. > Hamlet follows the Ghost17. What is familiar about the opening of this scene? Think of scene i.18. Why is Hamlet upset about the cannon going off, signalling and old tradition?19. Hamlet reveals mixed emotions after seeing the Ghost. Quote specific lines which demonstrate his

confusion.20. Why doesn’t Horatio want Hamlet to follow the Ghost?21. Why would the Ghost beckon Hamlet aside?

Act I, Scene v. > Rumours and Murder22. Explain why the spirit of Hamlet’s father cannot rest. Where is he “stuck”?23. What really caused Hamlet’s father’s death? What has everyone previously been told?24. What instructions does the Ghost leave for Hamlet? Quote Hamlet’s specific responses.25. After the Ghost departs, how does Hamlet plan to handle this news? How does he treat his friends?26. Upon what emotional note does Act I end?

Discussion Questions for Hamlet

Teacher Assessment As Learning: Engrade Discussion Post

Direct statement(s) expressed that clearly and accurately incorporate terminology from the questions of focus (Knowledge).

Evidence in the form of relevant quotes and examples from the scene and lines are provided to prove and explain the direct statement (Thinking).

Each question and/or sub-question is answered in short paragraph form and posted online in a clear and accurate format (Application)

Correct sentence structure/phrasing, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary is utilized and ideas are expressed in a confident and academic tone (Communication).

Discussion Questions for Hamlet

Self Assessment As Learning: In Class Discussion Circle

After reading, reviewing your peers written answers on Engrade, and discussing your answers in class, assess your overall knowledge and understanding by circling one of the following:

a. Limited b. Somewhat c. Considerable d. Thorough

What did you find confusing, not understand at all, or think you might need some further clarification on? Alternatively, what did you like or not like about this activity? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comment on how you can improve your knowledge and understanding, what steps will you take? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Discussion Questions for Hamlet

Teacher Assessment of Skills: Responsibility, Initiative, and Independent Work

1. Fulfils responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment by completing and submitting class work.

a. Needs Improvementb. Satisfactoryc. Goodd. Excellent

2. Demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning, approaching new tasks with a positive attitude.

a. Needs Improvementb. Satisfactoryc. Goodd. Excellent

3. Independently monitors, assesses, and revises to meet goals. Uses class time appropriately to complete tasks, following instructions with minimal supervision. 

a. Needs Improvementb. Satisfactoryc. Goodd. Excellent