Question

directions: answer the following questions based on act 3 of hamlet in modern english. write your responses in the space provided or select the best choice for multiple - choice questions. part 1 - multiple choice questions (20 pts.) 1. in the famous soliloquy, “to be or not to be,” what is hamlet contemplating? a. whether to confront claudius directly. b. whether life is worth living or if it is better to end his suffering. c. whether he should return to wittenberg. d. whether ophelia truly loves him. 2. what is claudius’s reaction after watching the play - within - a - play (\the mousetrap\)? a. he laughs and praises hamlet’s creativity. b. he storms out, revealing his guilt. c. he accuses hamlet of treason. d. he announces his plan to send hamlet to england. 3. why does hamlet refuse to kill claudius while he is praying? a. he is unsure if claudius is guilty. b. he wants to wait for a moment when claudius is committing a sin. c. he feels pity for claudius. d. he is afraid of being caught. 4. what advice does hamlet give to the actors before they perform the play? a. perform as dramatically as possible to stir the audience’s emotions. b. be natural and avoid overacting. c. perform quickly to hold the audience’s attention. d. ignore claudius’s reaction to the play. 5. what does polonius do while gertrude and hamlet are talking in her chamber? a. he hides behind a curtain to eavesdrop. b. he defends claudius’s honor. c. he warns hamlet to leave denmark. d. he tries to stop their argument. part 2 - true or false (5 pts.) 6. true or false: claudius admits in a soliloquy that he murdered king hamlet.

Explanation:

• Question 1: In the "To be or not to be" soliloquy, Hamlet is deeply considering the value of life and whether ending his suffering (through death) is a better option. This is a philosophical exploration of existence, which aligns with the themes of literature.
• Question 2: After watching "The Mousetrap," Claudius's guilty conscience is exposed, and he storms out, which is a key plot point in the play.
• Question 3: Hamlet refuses to kill Claudius while he's praying because he wants to ensure Claudius is sent to hell (by killing him during a sin - not prayer).
• Question 4: Hamlet advises the actors to be natural and avoid overacting to present a more realistic and impactful performance.
• Question 5: Polonius hides behind a curtain to eavesdrop on Gertrude and Hamlet's conversation, which is a common literary device of intrigue.

Answer:

1. B. Whether life is worth living or if it is better to end his suffering.
2. B. He storms out, revealing his guilt.
3. B. He wants to wait for a moment when Claudius is committing a sin.
4. B. Be natural and avoid overacting.
5. A. He hides behind a curtain to eavesdrop.