ACT 3, Scene 1 - 4 Guided Questions

Act III

1. Does Hamlet behave differently toward Ophelia than Polonius and Laertes? How does he treat her during the “Mousetrap” play that the players perform?
 
No, he behaves the same. He warns her and tells her that all men are rotten. He even mentions her reputation could be ruined by a simple mistake. During the play, Hamlet is acting nice towards Ophelia. He is making sexual jokes and is at ease. 

2. What is the point of the play Hamlet calls “The Mousetrap” (The Murder of Gonzago)? What are the differences between this version of a king’s murder and that which we have been told of in Hamlet?

The poison was made from witchcraft in the play and the wife vows a eternity of sadness if she remarries.


3. At the end of 3.2, Hamlet “could drink hot blood” (360) as he goes off to visit his mother. On the way, he finds the King in prayer. Why does he not slay him in this moment (3.3.77 ff.)?


Because he would just be sending him to heaven by killing him during prayer. 

4. What is the intended purpose of Hamlet’s visit to his mother’s chamber? How does he turn the tables on her? What instructions does he give to her?

She has asked for him to come over, so Polonious can listen in on their conversation. Hamlet intends to expose the Queens inner self. He makes her reflect on her actions and what she has truly done. He intends to tell her how much a low life he considers her to be. He asks his mother to say no to sex and at least pretend to be a virtuous woman.

5. What happens to Polonius during the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude? Who else barges in on their conversation?

Polonius is killed. The ghost barges in on the conversation. 

6. At the end of act 3, Hamlet reminds his mother that he has been sent on a foreign mission by the King (this resolution comes in 3.1) Where is he going? Why does Hamlet think he is being sent away?

He is going to England. He thinks he is being sent off to be killed.