Who is Adam? Why does the first Gravedigger say Adam was a gentleman?

4. Why does the Other claim that the “gallows-maker” is stronger than the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter?

5. Hamlet considers several possible identities for the skull the Gravedigger digs up. List three of these.

6. According to the Gravedigger and the Other, why was Prince Hamlet sent to England?

7. Who was Yorick? Why is Hamlet so struck by his skull?

8. Who is to be buried in the grave? Why does Laertes jump into the grave? Why does Hamlet jump into the grave?

9. How does Laertes respond to Hamlet? Why?
Act 5 Scene 2
1. What does Hamlet mean when he says, “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends” (5.2.10)?


1. What had Claudius ordered to happen to Hamlet in England? How did Hamlet escape?


2. Hamlet lists Claudius’s wrongdoings. What does he include in the list?

3. What message does Osric bring? How does Hamlet decide to respond? Why is Horatio worried?

4. How does Hamlet apologize to Laertes? What does he blame for his wrongdoing?

5. Where does Claudius command the wine be placed? What does he put in Hamlet’s wine cup? Who drinks from Hamlet’s cup?

6. How does the duel end?

7. How is Claudius killed?

8. What are Hamlet’s last words?

9. What does Fortinbras find when he arrives? Who is dead on stage? Who is left to rule Denmark?