Act I, Scene ill-iv Think/Discussion Questions Please open up a word document and submit to Canvas Assignments.
Scene iii
1. Describe the personalities, attitudes, and values of Laertes and Polonius.
2. Why does Laertes warn Ophelia not take Hamlet seriously?
3. What does Polonius tell his daughter to think of herself as? What does this say about their relationship and
the way women conducted themselves in this time and place?
4. What does Polonius mean by "to thine ownself be true"? Is Polonius a one-dimensional character? Is he a
villain?
5. What is comical about Polonius?
6. What is the definition of prodigal? To what story is Polonius alluding?
7. Ophelia draws a comparison between Laertes and ungracious pastors." What do her words mean? What is
the impact of this simile?
Scene iv
8. What are the points of Hamlet's long speech?
9. Why do Hamlet's friends fear for Prince Hamlet's safety?