HAMLET Act 1 Scenes 3-4

1) What is Laertes advice to Ophelia?

 Don't get attached with hamlet, because he cannot marry her.

2) How does “The canker galls the infants of the spring/ too oft before their buttons be disclos’d” fit into the ideology of the decaying garden?

This fits into the idea of the decaying garden, because infants are seen as this springy feeling, whereas when they start to grow up they begin to decay as they go through life.

3) What analogy does Ophelia give to her brother as an answer to his advice? What does she mean?

That he should follow his own advice, she means that her brother never takes his own advice when it comes to similar situations.

4) List five of the “few precepts” that Polonius gives to Laertes.

Polonius advises him to keep his thoughts to himself, to be friendly without being common or inappropriate in his actions, and have a few close friends, but keep a respectful distance from acquaintances. He tells him to be a good listener, but don't talk too much. Laertes should purchase nice clothing but nothing too gaudy that will outshine his peers. He should not borrow or lend money. He finally tells Laertes to be true to himself and this will be reflected in his authenticity with his fellow man.
5) In lines 105-109, what is the metaphor that Polonius uses to describe Hamlet’s words of love?

“you’ll tender me a fool” Hamlet ‘s love is fake money
6) List and explain one metaphor found in the lines 115-135.

"Ay, springes to catch woodcocks." (115) Polonius is comparing Hamlet to a trap
7) What is Polonius’ command to Ophelia?

He tells her to never talk to Hamlet again.
SCENE 4

8) In scene 4, what is Hamlet talking about in lines 13-38?

Hamlet says that he does not like the tradition of firing the cannon every time the king drinks.
9) Why doesn’t Horatio want Hamlet to follow the ghost?

Horatio was worried that if he were to follow the ghost that it might drive him insane.
10) What is Hamlet’s command to the three guards?

Hamlet repeatedly made the guards swear on his sword that they would never talk about the ghost.