“Hamlet” Act Four
Act Four, Scene One.
1. Claudius is told that Hamlet has killed Polonius. Write down the quotation
which tells us of his reaction and explain what it tells us about him as a
character.
Act Four, Scene Two
Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are sent to find out from Hamlet where he has
hidden Polonius’ body. He refuses to tell them.
Act Four, Scene Three.
Hamlet is brought before Claudius.
2. Claudius recognises he has to be careful as to how he deals with Hamlet.
Look at the opening lines of the scene and write down a quotation which
tells us why Claudius believes this.
3. At line 65, Claudius says:
“
Do it England
For like the hectic in my blood he rages,
And thou must cure me.”
What is it that Claudius wants England to do? Explain why Claudius feels
this way at this point
Act Four, Scene Four
Norwegian soldiers, led by Fortinbras, are marching through Denmark. They are
going to fight over a “little patch of ground/That hath in it no profit but the
name.” This leads Hamlet into yet another soliloquy. (He does do a lot of
thinking, doesn’t he?)
When you are answering these questions it is important to write down any
quotations that are used in the questions themselves.
4. “How all occasions do inform me against me,
And spur my dull revenge.”
Who or what is causing Hamlet to consider his own lack of action?
Briefly summarise the other occasions when he has been forced to
consider this.
5. What, according to Hamlet, makes us human and separates us from the
animals? You should quote.
6. What does he seem to admire about Fortinbras?
7. How does Hamlet seem to define “greatness”? Write down the quotation
and then try to explain what he means by this.
8. Although Hamlet seems to admire Fortinbras and his ability to act. What
does he say towards the end of the soliloquy that seems to contradict
this?
9. How does this contradiction help us to understand Hamlet’s dilemma
about whether or not he should act? (Is it possible to know exactly what
we should do at all times? Is there always a “right” answer?)
Act Four, Scene Five.
Gertrude and the King meet Ophelia and it is clear that she has been broken by
the corruption of the court around her. She is an innocent character who is
destroyed by the events that are playing out around her. Ophelia, in her
madness, refers both to her father’s death and, to a young maid who is
betrayed by her lover.
Laertes bursts into the court, leading a rebellion against Claudius. Claudius uses
his political skill to calm Laertes. Laertes encounters his sister, driven mad by
grief.
10. At line 77, Claudius says:
“When sorrows come, they come not as single spies,
But in battalions.”
Summarise, in your own words, the “sorrows” Claudius identifies.
11. What does Claudius say to remind Laertes that he is speaking to a King?
12. “To hell, allegiance! Vows to the blackest devil! / Conscience and grace to
the profoundest pit! / I dare damnation.”
This quotation is very important as it tells us about Laertes’ character.
What does it tell us about him?
It is also important as it provides a direct contrast with Hamlet. Explain
this as fully as you can.
13. What effect does Ophelia’s behaviour have on Laertes? You should quote.
(line 166)
14. Explain why Laertes called his father’s death “in question”. (line 209)
Act Four, Scene Six.
Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet telling Horatio that he is returning to
Denmark.
Act Four, Scene Seven.
The King is persuading Laertes f his plan to help Laertes avenge his father’s
death when he receives a letter from hamlet, requesting and audience with
Claudius. They plan how Laertes will kill Hamlet in such a way that it seems like
an accident. At the end of the scene, Gertrude enters to tell the King and
Laertes about Ophelia’s death.
15. Laertes asks Claudius why he has not taken action against Hamlet before
now. Explain, in your own words, the two reasons that Claudius gives. (Line
10)
16. Explain as fully as you can the plan that the King suggests to Laertes.
How does Laertes add to the plan?
17. Explain how Claudius uses his ability to manipulate people to ensure that
Laertes agrees to the plan. (line 107 - 126)
18. What is Laertes prepared to do to avenge his father’s death? Quote.
19. Explain, in your own words, how Ophelia meets her death.