Hamlet 2.2.240-338 – 3.1 Questions
Directions: Respond to the following questions in complete sentences. Underline your vocabulary words.
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1. Puns are phrases that have two levels of meaning. There are many puns contained in 2.2.187-237. Find three puns and copy them, citing the act, scene, and lines in parenthesis.
Then, explain the possible meanings for the puns you found.
2. 2.2.295-338 is rich in figurative language. What language tricks does Shakespeare use in this passage? Provide examples and explain their meanings.
3. Find examples of classical allusions in 2.2.445-574
4. It has been said that the allusion to Aeneas’ tale of Priam’s slaughter is a puzzle. Try to decode this puzzle. What message is Hamlet seemingly trying to convey?
5. Copy and cite images from the soliloquy that express Hamlet’s self-image. Discuss the significance of these images. How does he feel about himself, and why does he feel this way?
6. Why does Hamlet berate himself?
7. State, as clearly as possible just what Hamlet’s inner conflict in his soliloquy and whether he resolves it.
Reminder: Test on Act 2 will be Monday, January 26
Additional Reminders:
- Make sure to turn in any late work / edited work / make-up tests by this Friday!
- If you're looking for extra credit, scroll down the blog to the list of links. Click on Freerice to play a vocabulary or grammar game. Press print when you're done playing, write your name on the paper, and turn in for extra points! Try to make it to level 30!!!!
- The junior student council has organized a bowling trip for after school this Friday! You can purchase a ticket for $12 tomorrow or Friday. See me or a member of the junior student council if you are interested!
