ACT 5, Scene 1 & 2 Guided Questions

Act V

1. At the opening of act five, one of the two Clowns (rustics, or men of lower class, not clowns as we understand the word) is puzzled that Ophelia will receive a proper burial. Why? How does the Second Clown explain this treatment (5.1.22)? (Also, note the Priest’s reluctance in the proceedings)

He is puzzled because people who commit suicide are not given a proper burial.  The second clown says she will received a proper burial because the water came to Ophelia. She did not go to the water, at least according to the law. In his opinion, it's just because she's rich. 

2. Whose skull does Hamlet recognize in the graveyard?

Hamlet speculates about what every skull could have been. He says a lawyer, landowner, politician, or courtier. Afterwards, one of the grave digger points out the skull of Yorick, the king's jester.   

3. How long has the “grave-­‐maker” been working at his craft? What events coincided with his first day on the job?

He has been a grave-maker since the day old King Hamlet defeated Fortinbras. The birth of young Hamlet coincides with this day. 

4. Hamlet imagines that the dirt that the Clown is digging could actually be who? What happens to these great figures in Hamlet’s imagining? 

Hamlet imagines the dirt is Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Hamlet imagines that they will be turned into clay used to repair holes in walls and to stopper bottles. Basically becoming materials.  

5. There are two surprising stage directions in 5.1: Laertes, then Hamlet, “leaps into the grave.” What are they fighting over?!


They are fighting over who loved Ophelia more, but there's not much point now since she is just a corpse. 

6. Hamlet did inherit something from his father that proves quite useful in his stratagem against Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. What is it?

His signet ring, which he used to seal a letter that condemned Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. 

7. What causes Hamlet’s death (and is also the cause of death for the entire Danish court (including Hamlet I))?

Poison. Hamlet I died for it being poured in his ear. Gertrude drank it. Hamlet II, Laertes, and Claudius all die from a poison sword. 

8. What is Laertes’s dying wish? Is it fulfilled?

For Hamlet's forgiveness. His wish is fulfilled. 

9. Just before Hamlet dies, he offers his “dying voice” to Fortinbras. What does he mean by this? What is going to happen to Denmark after the play?

He is giving Fortinbras the throne. After the play, Denmark will need a King. 

10. What orders does Fortinbras give at the end of the play? What is the significance, do you think, of this action?

He ordered for Hamlet to have a royal burial with military rites. He wants to hide the mischief behind all of the deaths and the people loved Hamlet, so this will appeal to them.