READING GUIDE HAMLET ACT 3 SCENE IV QUESTIONS. PLEASE HELP
1. In three to five sentences, summarize Act III, Scene III of Hamlet
2. In the scene you will read in this lesson, Hamlet confronts his mother about his anger with her. Have you ever had to confront a family member or friend that you were angry with? What happened? How did you feel afterward? If you haven't, write a short description of how you think Hamlet's confrontation will go.
3. Where is Polonius positioned when Hamlet enters the room?
4. How does Gertrude interpret Hamlet's anger toward her? [Hint: What does she fear he will do?]
5. How does Polonius respond to Gertrude's cry for help? What does Hamlet do as a result?
6. Are you surprised by Hamlet's action at this point? Explain your answer.
7. How does Hamlet react when he discovers Polonius was hiding behind the tapestry? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.
8. What type of language does Shakespeare use to convey Hamlet's anger toward his mother? Identify at least one specific example from the text and explain how it conveys the tone of the scene.
9. As Hamlet berates his mother, the ghost enters the room. How does Hamlet's tone change when he sees the ghost?
10. Can Gertrude see the ghost? How do you know?
11. Why does the ghost say it is there?
12. After the ghost exits, Hamlet returns to discussing his mother's sins. What does he want her to do?
13.How does the scene end?
14. In what way is this scene a turning point in the play? Think about how Hamlet and the plot have changed, compared to previous scenes.