Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Practice essay questions
1. ‘Act 1 Scene 1 is a dramatic scene that would have gripped its audience throughout.’
Or
‘The opening scene of Hamlet holds up the action of the play serving only to frustrate its
audience.’
How far do you agree with each of these opinions? What is your response to the
scene?
2. Act 1 Scene 2, lines 87-117: Claudius’ speech
‘This is the speech of a concerned stepfather intent on doing his best for the young,
grieving Prince.’
Or
‘Claudius has no compassion. Hamlet’s grief is an obstacle in the way of his own selfish
desires as both new husband and king.’
Consider the truth behind both of these statements. What is your view of the
presentation of Claudius in this scene?
3. Act 1 Scene 2: Hamlet’s soliloquy
‘Shakespeare presents Hamlet as an angry and bitter young man deeply distressed by the
untimely death of his father.’
Or
‘Hamlet’s obsession with his mother’s marriage to his uncle Claudius reveals a threateningly
incestuous mind.’
Are these two justifiable interpretations of the presentation of Hamlet so far? What
is your view of the young prince?
4. Act 1 Scene 3
‘Laertes and Polonius are more similar than different in their treatment of Ophelia.’
Or
‘It is the contrast between these two characters’ behaviour towards Ophelia that makes the
scene so moving.’
What are your opinions of the way they treat her?
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Hamlet by William Shakespeare
5. ‘Act 2 Scene 2 is an exciting, fast moving scene, effectively paving the way for the climax of
the play.’
Or
‘Act 2 Scene 2 is overly busy. The thrust of the play is lost because of too many things
happening at once.’
Consider each of the above views of this scene. What is your opinion of its success?
6. Choose one of the following statements and write about it in detail (up to Act 2 Scene 2)




‘Gertrude is an unbelievably naïve mother and queen.’
‘Polonius only has the best interests of his daughter and the King and Queen at heart.’
‘Hamlet’s idiotic antic disposition won’t fool anyone.’
‘Hamlet should stop beating about the bush and just get on with avenging the King.’
7. Act 3 Scene 2
‘In Act 3 Scene 2 the audience is compelled to feel sympathy for Claudius.’
Or
‘Claudius remains a dissolute king who deserves to be plagued by guilt.’
So far in the play, what are your thoughts on the presentation of King Claudius?
8. Act 3 Scene 3
‘Hamlet is a weak coward who is driven too much by thought rather than action.’
Or
‘Hamlet’s actions at the end of this scene prove his superior moral integrity to us, thus
convincing us of his status as a true tragic hero.’
What evidence is there to support both views of this scene? What is response to the
scene?
9. Act 4 Scene 5
‘Ophelia and Laertes’ grief for their father serve only to highlight how introspective and
ineffectual Hamlet, the son, really is.’
Or
‘Hamlet’s grief is a far more mature, intellectual response to a devastating situation.’
How far can these assertions be justified? What is your judgement of the young
people’s grief?
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Hamlet by William Shakespeare
10. Act 4 Scene 7
‘Claudius is a master of circumstance, confident, well practised and manipulative – a true
politician.’
Or
‘Claudius is doing what any desperate man would do. He is right to try to save his own
skin.’
How far do you agree with each of these opinions? What is your view of Claudius’
behaviour?
11. ‘Act 5 Scene 1 is contrived and unbelievable. Hamlet’s mood swings are unconvincing and
frustratingly delay the inevitable climax.’
Or
‘Act 5 Scene 1 is an exciting, humorous and tense introduction to the climax of the play.’
What is your opinion of this scene?
12. ‘Act 5 Scene 2 is an unfitting, clumsy blood bath. It fails to resolve any of the real issues of
the play.’
Or
‘The death scene satisfies the audience’s built up expectations of this carefully crafted
revenge tragedy.’
To what extent do you agree with both of these views? What is your own view of
this scene?
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