Hamlet Act 2, Scene 1 & 2 Study Questions

Polonius wants Reynaldo to do what when he visits Polonius’ son, Laertes, in Paris? (3 answers)

• Spy on Laertes and gather information about his behavior

• Deliver a letter and money to Laertes

• Arrange lodging for Laertes

• Bring money to Laertes

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Polonius wants Reynaldo to pretend to know Laertes only distantly because:

• he wants to find out the truth about Laertes' behavior from others.

• he wants Reynaldo to become Laertes' close friend.

• he wants to protect Laertes from danger.

• he wants Reynaldo to deliver a message to Laertes.

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Some of the forgeries Polonius wants Reynaldo to say about Laertes include:

• Gambling, drinking, swearing, and fencing

• Studying too much and being too quiet

• Helping the poor and attending church regularly

• Writing poetry and painting

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Reynaldo is asked to “lay these slight sullies” on his son for what reason?

• To test his son's reputation and gather information about his behavior

• To help his son make new friends

• To encourage his son to return home

• To warn his son about dangers in Paris

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Polonius suggests that “And thus do we of wisdom and of reach, With windlasses [roundabout approaches] and with assays of bias[indirect attempts], By indirections find directions out” means that:

• Sometimes, we discover the truth by using indirect methods.

• Wisdom always comes from direct action.

• Only fools use roundabout approaches to solve problems.

• Directness is the only way to find answers.

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According to Ophelia, when Hamlet visited her, his appearance was frightful. He looked like he came from:

• The grave, to speak of horrors

• A battlefield, to recount a war

• A dungeon, to reveal secrets

• A forest, to warn of danger

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Polonius’ interpretation of Hamlet’s behavior—“the very ecstasy of love”—means:

• Hamlet is acting irrationally because he is madly in love.

• Hamlet is plotting to overthrow the king.

• Hamlet is pretending to be insane for political reasons.

• Hamlet is mourning his father’s death.

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The King has hastily sent for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern because:

• he wants them to spy on Hamlet.

• he needs them to arrange a royal banquet.

• he wishes to send them on a diplomatic mission.

• he wants them to guard the castle.

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Gertrude thinks the main reason for the source of all of Hamlet’s “distemper” is:

• Hamlet's father's death and her quick remarriage

• Hamlet's ambition for the throne

• Hamlet's love for Ophelia

• Hamlet's disappointment with his friends

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Voltemand brings news about ongoing diplomatic relations with “Old Norway,” young Fortinbras’ uncle, to avert a war with Fortinbras. What is the news?

• Old Norway has restrained Fortinbras from attacking Denmark and Fortinbras has promised to stop his aggression.

• Old Norway has declared war on Denmark.

• Fortinbras has been exiled from Norway.

• Voltemand has been appointed as the new ambassador to Denmark.

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