Hamlet Act 4 Questions

In the beginning of this scene, what does Gertrude tell Claudius? that Hamlet killed Polonius and that his madness is a threat.
What is Claudius first reaction to the news of Polonuius’s death? he is upset, but knows he should have restrained Hamlet more. He uses this as an excuse to get Hamlet out of Denmark faster.
What excuse does Claudius offer not controlling Hamlet with a stronger hand? he loves him too much to actually think about what he’s got to do. Hamlet’s mother is too attached to Hamlet and loves him too much for anything to be done.
What does the Queen say Hamlet is doing while she and the king are talking? Hiding Polonius’s body and crying for what he’s done.
On what errand does the King send Rosencrantz and Guilderstern? To find out where Hamlet is planning to hide the body. Also to get the body back and bring it to the chapel.
What does Hamlet call Rosencratz, and what does he mean by that? He calls him a sponge. They need the king’s approval more then they need Hamlet as a friend. He knows they’ve been sent by thing king to learn about everything Hamlet’s been doing and to go back to him with the news.
What does Hamlet claim to have done with the corpse? The body’s with the king, but the king’s not with the body.
Why must the king be careful in his treatment of Hamlet? Hamlet knows what Claudius did and he’s dangerous. The plan must seem like a carefully considered move.
When Claudius asks Hamlet where Polonius is, what is Hamlet’s answer? At dinner, where he’s the one being eaten
What does Claudius say in his letters? to kill Hamlet immediately.
Why does Claudius want Hamlet to be killed? so that he won’t come and kill/avenge him. Something might happen to him/Denmark if Hamlet lives.
For what purpose is Fortinbras in Denmark? To invade Poland, he wants to move his troops across Denmark.
Where are him and his army going? What will they fight for in Poland? What is the object of their fight worth? Poland. A little patch of land that isn’t worth much, 5 ducats at best.
Hamlet says Fortinbras is risking his men and his own life “even for an Eggshell” why does he say this? ‘he’s doing this for nothing and yet I cannot avenge my father.”
How does Fortinbras serve as a branch to Hamlet’s revenge? What is the last line of this scene? Why is this line significant? He went through the same thing Hamlet did, his father was murdered as well. “From now on, if my thoughts aren’t violent I’ll consider them worthless.” because Hamlet is getting serious about the revenge.
Who is with Gertrude when Ophelia arrives? What does Gertrude say about her “stupid suspicions”? Horatio is with her. They’re making her even more paranoid than before. Guilt gives you a bad feeling.
What does Claudius assume caused Ophelia’s madness? Her father’s death
Who is sent to follow Ophelia? Horatio is sent to follower her.
What message does the messenger bring regarding Laertes? he wants to kill him because of his father’s death and to become the king instead. He’s leading a rebellion in revenge for his father.
What will Laertes risk for revenge? How does he mirror Hamlet? everything and anything. He wants revenge for his father’s murder, he’s got the same drive for revenge like Hamlet’s.
What did we learn from Hamlet’s letter? That there was a pirate attack and he was taken abroad their ship alone.
Where are Rosencrantz and Guildemstern? They’re in England/ they’re on their way there.
In Claudius’s first speech, he tells Laertes that Hamlet not only killed Polonuis, but also tried to kill…. Claudius himself.
What reasons does Claudius give for not acting to prevent Hamlet’s violence? his mother love him too much to do anything to hurt him. Married to Gertrude/ his mother
What drives Laertes to want revenge? (two things) His father’s death and his sister’s madness (caused by Pololnuis death)
What does Claudius say Hamlet is envious of, in regard to Laertes? His knack for fencing/ sword play
What do they plan to do with this envy? To use it against Hamlet in a duel and “accidentally” kill him. Trick Hamlet into having the match just by betting him about it.
What “added ingredient” does Laertes suggest to make the hit more deadly? a poison that would kill Hamlet with one scratch.
What backup measure does Claudius suggest? A poison of Hamlet’s wine which he would drink during the match.
The queen announces… That Ophelia drowned herself which causes everyone to think she has killed herself.
July 3, 2019