Alex, Katherine, Jesse, Christian
Act IV Study Guide
Summary:
Act IV opens with Queen Gertrude explaining Polonius’ death to King Claudius. She explains to
him that Hamlet has clearly gone mad and has killed Polonius because of his madness. In order to give
Polonius a proper burial, they must find his body and bring it to the church. However, Hamlet refuses
to tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where the body lies. Hamlet continues to keep his secret from
the King as well. As a result of Hamlet’s madness, King Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England,
ultimately to be killed. Scene four shows the meeting of Fortinbras and Hamlet crossing paths. This is
put in the play to show that both Hamlet and Fortinbras are still trying to avenge their fathers. Scene
five returns the play to the castle to show that Ophelia has gone mad over her father’s death. She
begins to sing a song that no one quite understands why she is singing. As Act IV continues, Laertes
begins to think that King Claudius has killed his father, Polonius. Laertes approaches Claudius to
threaten him about the death of his father, only to be convinced that it was Hamlet who was to blame.
The Act is concluded with King Claudius trying to devise a plan on how to kill Hamlet by poison on the
tip of Laertes’ fencing sword and also in Hamlets drink.
Paraphrase: (IV, vii, 169-185)
Let’s think about this, and consider what time and what method will be most appropriate. If our plans
were to fail, and people found out about it, it would be better never to have tried it. We should have a
backup ready in case the first plan doesn’t work. Let me think. We’ll place bets on you and Hamlet—
that’s it! When the two of you have gotten all sweaty and hot—keep him jumping around a lot for that
purpose—Hamlet will ask for something to drink. I’ll have a cup ready for him. If by chance he escapes
your poisoned sword tip, the drink will kill him. But wait, what’s that sound?
Quotes:
1.) “In his lawless fit Behind the arras hearing something stir, Whips out his rapier, Cries “A rat, a
rat,” And in this brainish apprehension kills the unseen good old man” (Act 4 Scene 1 lines 812)Queen
 This makes the king feel that Hamlet killed Polonius because he has gone mad and
Hamlet went on a rampage.
2.) “The sun so sooner shall the mountains touch but we will ship him hence; and this vile deed We
must with all our majesty and skill both countenance and excuse” (Act 4 Scene 1 lines 30-34)
King
 The king is fed up with hamlet’s acts so he is shipping hamlet to England.
Alex, Katherine, Jesse, Christian
3.) “Ay, sir, that soaks up the king’s countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do
the best service in the end.” (Act 4 scene 2 15-17) Hamlet
 Hamlet is telling Rosencrantz that he would rather take rewards from the king to spy on
me than keep our friendship
4.) “His means of death, his obscure funeral Cry to be heard, as ‘twere from heaven to earth, that I
must call’t in question.” (Act 4 scene 5 lines 238-242) Laertes
 Laertes is saying no matter what or who is in his my he will get revenge for his fathers
death.
Open Ended Questions:
1. Why has Ophelia gone mad?
2. Will the plan end up working?
3. Does Laertes fully believe King Claudius?