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Romeo and Juliet
The Crucible
The Scarlet Letter
The Taming of the Shrew
To Kill a Mockingbird
Shakespeare
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No Fear Shakespeare Translations
Shakespeare Study Guides
Shakespeare Life & Times
Glossary of Shakespeare Terms
Literature
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No Fear Literature Translations
Literature Study Guides
Glossary of Literary Terms
How to Write Literary Analysis
Other Subjects
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Biography
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Drama
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Hamlet
William Shakespeare
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Graphic Novel
Memes
Infographic
Teaching Guide
Study Guide
NO FEAR
Translation
Graphic Novel
Memes
Infographic
Teaching Guide
Summary
Summary & Analysis
Act I, scene i
Act I, scene ii
Act I, scenes iii–iv
Act I, scene v–Act II, scene i
Act II, scene ii
Act III, scene i
Act III, scene ii
Act III, scene iii
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scenes i–ii
Act IV, scenes iii–iv
Act IV, scenes v–vi
Act IV, scene vii
Act V, scene i
Act V, scene ii
Full Book
Full Book Summary
Full Book Analysis
Key Facts
Video Summary
Characters
Character List
Hamlet
Claudius
Gertrude
Ophelia
Polonius
Literary Devices
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Genre
Allusions
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Metaphors and Similes
Questions & Answers
Is the Ghost real?
Did Hamlet and Ophelia have sex?
Did Gertrude have an affair with Claudius before he killed Hamlet’s father?
Who is Fortinbras?
Why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius right away?
Why does Marcellus say, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (1.4.94)?
Was Hamlet really in love with Ophelia?
Why does Hamlet encourage the actor to recite the speech about Pyrrhus and Priam?
Does Hamlet consider suicide?
Why is Hamlet so cruel to Ophelia?
Why does Laertes break into Claudius’s chamber?
Why does Ophelia go mad?
Does Ophelia actually kill herself?
What is the significance of the gravediggers?
How does Hamlet’s view of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern change?
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
By Theme
Madness
Performance
Decomposition and Decay
Doubt
Misogyny
Plotting, spying, and stratagems
By Section
Act I, scene i
Act I, scene ii
Act I, scenes iii – iv
Act I, scene v – Act II, scene i
Act II, scene ii
Act III, scene i
Act III, scene ii
Act III, scene iii
Act III, scene iv
Act IV, scenes i – ii
Act IV, scenes iii – iv
Act IV, scenes v – vi
Act IV, scene vii
Act V, scene i
Act V, scene ii
By Character
Hamlet
Ophelia
Polonius
Gertrude
Claudius
By Symbol
Yorick’s Skull
By Setting
Denmark
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Act 1, scene 1
Act 1, scene 2
Act 1, scenes 3-4
Act 1, scene 5-Act 2, scene 1
Act 2, scene 2
Act 3, scene 1
Act 3, scene 2
Act 3, scene 3
Act 3, scene 4
Act 4, scenes 1-2
Act 4, scenes 3-4
Act 4, scenes 5-6
Act 4, scene 7
Act 5, scene 1
Act 5, scene 2
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Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
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Historical Context Essay
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What Does the Ending Mean?
Further Study
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Related Links
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Shakespeare and Hamlet Background
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
1
of 5
What words best describe Hamlet's character throughout the play?
Mysterious, thoughtful, morose
Brave, sociable, fun
Easy-going, smooth, charismatic
Sensual, caring, effeminate
2
of 5
What is Claudius's most powerful weapon?
His money
His sex appeal
His way with words
His aggressiveness
3
of 5
Why is Hamlet sometimes considered to be a play about inaction?
Because Hamlet never hesitates when it comes to acting against Claudius
Because Hamlet spends the play trying to figure out if the ghost is real
Because Hamlet needs to know Claudius is guilty before acting
Because Gertrude and Ophelia are passive and inactive heroines
4
of 5
How does Claudius respond to Hamlet's insanity?
By turning to Gertrude for comfort
By focusing on himself and his own well-being
By throwing lavish parties
By turning to religion
5
of 5
What is Gertrude never able to do?
Express her love
Be reflective about her circumstances
Be powerful
Be sexual
Previous section
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Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
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