Question Marks
1. Identify the setting of Act 1 Scene 1. (Name the place and time of day.) 2
2. Who are the first characters introduced in the play? 1
3. What strange event does the guards describe to Horatio? 2
4. Explain why the appearance of the ghost is significant to Denmark’s political situation. 3
5. Quote and explain TWO lines from Hamlet’s first soliloquy that reveal his feelings about his mother. 4
6. Discuss how Shakespeare creates a sense of unease in Scene 1. Give two techniques used. 3
7. In your view, is Hamlet’s sadness in Act 1 justified? Support your opinion with evidence. 3
8. What advice does Polonius give to Laertes? Do you think it is good advice? Why or why not? 4
9. Discuss the role of women as seen through the character of Ophelia in Act 1. 4
10. Based on Act 1, would you describe Hamlet as mad, sad, or strategic? Justify your choice. 4
Question Marks
1. Identify the setting of Act 1 Scene 1. (Name the place and time of day.) 2
2. Who are the first characters introduced in the play? 1
3. What strange event does the guards describe to Horatio? 2
4. Explain why the appearance of the ghost is significant to Denmark’s political situation. 3
5. Quote and explain TWO lines from Hamlet’s first soliloquy that reveal his feelings about his mother. 4
6. Discuss how Shakespeare creates a sense of unease in Scene 1. Give two techniques used. 3
7. In your view, is Hamlet’s sadness in Act 1 justified? Support your opinion with evidence. 3
8. What advice does Polonius give to Laertes? Do you think it is good advice? Why or why not? 4
9. Discuss the role of women as seen through the character of Ophelia in Act 1. 4
10. Based on Act 1, would you describe Hamlet as mad, sad, or strategic? Justify your choice. 4
Question Suggested Answer Marks
1. Identify the setting of Act 1 Scene 1. Outside Elsinore Castle, at night. 2
2. Who are the first characters introduced
Barnardo and Francisco (guards). 1
in the play?
3. What strange event does the guards
They have seen a ghost that looks like the dead King Hamlet. 2
describe to Horatio?
4. Why is the appearance of the ghost It suggests political unrest or a bad omen. Denmark is preparing
3
significant to Denmark’s situation? for a possible invasion from Fortinbras of Norway.
5. Quote and explain TWO lines from
Example:
Hamlet’s first soliloquy.
“Frailty, thy name is woman!” – He is angry at his mother for marrying too soon.
“O, that this too too solid flesh would melt…” – He wishes he could die to escape his sadness. | 4 |
| 6. How does Shakespeare create unease in Scene 1? | Examples:
Setting: dark and cold
Supernatural element: appearance of ghost
Suspense: the ghost won’t speak | 3 |
| 7. Is Hamlet’s sadness justified? | Yes – His father died and his mother married his uncle quickly.
OR
No – He is overreacting and should move on.
(Any supported opinion is valid.) | 3 |
| 8. What advice does Polonius give to Laertes? Is it good advice? | Examples: “To thine own self be true”;
Don’t borrow or lend money.
Yes – It's thoughtful and practical.
OR
No – It’s too long-winded and controlling. | 4 |
| 9. Role of women through Ophelia? | Ophelia is obedient and submissive. She is told by her father and
brother to avoid Hamlet, and she agrees without protest. Shows women had little power. | 4 |
| 10. Hamlet: mad, sad, or strategic? | Open-ended.
Mad: Acting strangely and talking about death.
Sad: Deeply grieving his father.
Strategic: Plans to act mad to find the truth.
(Any well-supported answer accepted.) | 4 |
✅ TOTAL: 30 Marks
