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Characters
General information
Literary terms (foil character)
Hamlet’s fourth of four great soliloquies
FIVE “sorrows” in Denmark
Quotes (6 total)
Themes
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Late King Hamlet (ghost)
Gertrude
Prince Hamlet
Claudius
Ophelia
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Laertes
Young Fortinbras
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Five Act Structure: Purpose of Act IV
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The “desperate stage” where rash decisions are made
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Primary Setting:
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Time Period:
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Castle of Elsinore; Denmark
16th Century
How much time has gone by since the start of the play?
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About five months
Literary Terms:
Aside
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Definition: when a character reveals thoughts while other
character’s are on stage; information is meant for the audience
to hear, not the other characters present.
Soliloquy
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Definition: when a character is alone on stage revealing
his/her inner thoughts to the audience through a lengthy
speech.
Literary Terms:
 Irony:
 Definition: when something happens that is the
opposite of what is meant or expected to happen.
 Dramatic Irony:
 Definition: When the audience or reader
knows or perceives something other
characters do not.
 Foil Character:
 Definition: A secondary character who
parallels and contrasts a main character.
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Fourth of four Great Soliloquies delivered by
Hamlet:
1. Hamlet reprimands himself for being a man of
thought instead of a man of action after he hears that
Fortinbras’ army is willing to risk their lives over a
worthless piece of land. He finds motivation in their
drive.
2. Because he is motivated by Fortinbras’ army, he
vows to be a man of action and seek revenge no
matter what.
Act IV Quotes ( 5 total)
Claudius: “He’s loved of the distracted multitude,/ Who
like not in their judgment , but their eyes.” (theme of
appearance vs. reality)
Claudius: “By letters congruing to that effect/ The
present death of Hamlet.” (dramatic irony/ theme of
deception)
Hamlet: “Oh, from this time forth,/ My thoughts be
bloody or be nothing worth!” (theme of revenge)
Act IV Quotes (cont.):
Laertes: “Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged/
Most throughly for my father.” (theme of revenge)
Claudius: “And where th’ offense is, let the great ax
fall.” (foreshadowing)
Claudius: “How much I had to do to calm his rage!/ Now
fear I this will give it start again;…”
According to Claudius, what are the five “sorrows” of
Denmark:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Polonius’ death
Hamlet sent away due to his actions
The people of Denmark are confused by the rumors
about Polonius’ death
Ophelia has gone mad
Laertes has returned from France ready to seek
revenge for his father’s death.
1.
Briefly summarize the letter the sailor gives to
Horatio detailing Hamlet’s return to Denmark.
2.
What are the two reasons Claudius give Laertes for
not harming Hamlet?
3.
What are the two plans Claudius has for killing
Hamlet?
4.
What happens to Ophelia at the end of Act IV?
Explain the incident.
Themes:
Deception
Corruption
Revenge
Appearance vs. Reality