Polonius and Hamlet's Madness

In Act 2 of Hamlet, Polonius sends Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in Paris. Ophelia reports Hamlet's strange behavior to Polonius, who believes Hamlet is mad with love. Claudius and Gertrude enlist Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to investigate Hamlet. Polonius suggests spying on Hamlet to confirm his madness. Hamlet interacts with his friends and plans a play to expose Claudius's guilt. The act explores themes of dramatic irony, action vs. inaction, and the complexity of Hamlet's emotions.

What task does Polonius assign to Reynaldo?

• To spy on Laertes in Paris

• To deliver a letter to Laertes

• To bring Laertes back to Denmark

• To find a suitable match for Ophelia

How does Ophelia describe Hamlet's behavior when he visits her?

• Disheveled and confused

• Calm and composed

• Angry and violent

• Joyful and talkative

What conclusion does Polonius draw from Ophelia's account of Hamlet?

• Hamlet is plotting against the King

• Hamlet is mad with love for Ophelia

• Hamlet is planning to leave Denmark

• Hamlet is seeking revenge for his father

What literary device does Shakespeare use to show the audience that Hamlet's madness might be an act?

• Foreshadowing

• Metaphor

• Dramatic irony

• Personification

What task do Claudius and Gertrude give to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

• To investigate Hamlet's behavior

• To find a new tutor for Hamlet

• To arrange a marriage for Hamlet

• To escort Hamlet to England

What do the Norwegian ambassadors report to Claudius?

• Fortinbras seeks an alliance with Denmark

• Fortinbras has been redirected to attack Poland

• Fortinbras plans to attack Denmark

• Fortinbras has been captured by the Poles

What does Polonius suggest to confirm if Hamlet's madness is due to love for Ophelia?

• To arrange a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia

• To consult a physician

• To confront Hamlet directly

• To send Hamlet away from Denmark

What does Polonius note about Hamlet's words during their conversation?

• They are meaningless

• They contain hidden insults

• They are full of praise

• They reveal his plans

What does Hamlet reveal to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about his feelings?

• He is in love with Ophelia

• He is plotting against the King

• He plans to leave Denmark

• He is suspicious of their motives

What is Hamlet's plan involving the play?

• To catch the conscience of King Claudius

• To distract the guards

• To impress Ophelia

• To entertain the court