ACT 4 1 4 4 Act I Scene

ACT 4. 1 -4. 4 Act I Scene 1 - 0: 01: 35 Scene 2 - 0: 12: 45 Scene 3 - 0: 27: 35 Scene 4 - 0: 35: 00 Scene 5 - 0: 39: 50 Act II Scene 1 - 0: 51: 20 Scene 2 - 0: 57: 35 Act III Scene 1 - 1: 32: 25 Scene 2 - 1: 44: 45 Scene 3 - 2: 06: 10 Scene 4 - 2: 12: 20 Act IV Scene 1 - 2: 25: 50 Scene 2 - 2: 28: 35 Scene 3 - 2: 29: 50 Scene 4 - 2: 33: 15 Scene 5 - 2: 41: 05 Scene 6 - 2: 55: 30 Scene 7 - 2: 57: 00 Act V Scene 1 - 3: 08: 10 Scene 2 - 3: 23: 40

SUMMARY FRANTIC AFTER HER CONFRONTATION WITH HAMLET, GERTRUDE HURRIES TO CLAUDIUS, WHO IS CONFERRING WITH ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN. SHE ASKS TO SPEAK TO THE KING ALONE. WHEN ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN EXIT, SHE TELLS CLAUDIUS ABOUT HER ENCOUNTER WITH HAMLET. SHE SAYS THAT HE IS AS MAD AS THE SEA DURING A VIOLENT STORM; SHE ALSO TELLS CLAUDIUS THAT HAMLET HAS KILLED POLONIUS. AGHAST, THE KING NOTES THAT HAD HE BEEN CONCEALED BEHIND THE ARRAS, HAMLET WOULD HAVE KILLED HIM. CLAUDIUS WONDERS ALOUD HOW HE WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE THIS PUBLIC CRISIS WITHOUT DAMAGING HIS HOLD ON DENMARK. HE TELLS GERTRUDE THAT THEY MUST SHIP HAMLET TO ENGLAND AT ONCE AND FIND A WAY TO EXPLAIN HAMLET’S MISDEED TO THE COURT AND TO THE PEOPLE. HE CALLS ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN, TELLS THEM ABOUT THE MURDER, AND SENDS THEM TO FIND HAMLET.

Elsewhere in Elsinore, Hamlet has just finished disposing of Polonius’s body, commenting that the corpse has been “safely stowed” (IV. ii. 1). Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear and ask what he has done with the body. Hamlet refuses to give them a straight answer, instead saying, “The body is with the king, but the king is not with the body” (IV. ii. 25– 26). Pretending that he is offended by being questioned, he accuses them of being spies in the service of Claudius. He calls Rosencrantz a “sponge. . . that soaks up the king’s countenance, his rewards, his authorities, ” and warns him that “when he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again” (IV. ii. 11– 19). At last he agrees to allow Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort him to Claudius. The king speaks to a group of attendants, telling them of Polonius’s death and his intention to send Hamlet to England. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear with Hamlet, who is under guard. Pressed by Claudius to reveal the location of Polonius’s body, Hamlet is by turns inane, coy, and clever, saying that Polonius is being eaten by worms, and that the king could send a messenger to find Polonius in heaven or seek him in hell himself. Finally, Hamlet reveals that Polonius’s body is under the stairs near the castle lobby, and the king dispatches his attendants to look there. The king tells Hamlet that he must leave at once for England, and Hamlet enthusiastically agrees. He exits, and Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to ensure that he boards the ship at once. Alone with his thoughts, Claudius states his hope that

On a nearby plain in Denmark, young Prince Fortinbras marches at the head of his army, traveling through Denmark on the way to attack Poland. Fortinbras orders his captain to go and ask the King of Denmark for permission to travel through his lands. On his way, the captain encounters Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern on their way to the ship bound for England. The captain informs them that the Norwegian army rides to fight the Poles. Hamlet asks about the basis of the conflict, and the man tells him that the armies will fight over “a little patch of land / That hath in it no profit but the name” (IV. iv. 98– 99). Astonished by the thought that a bloody war could be fought over something so insignificant, Hamlet marvels that human beings are able to act so violently and purposefully for so little gain. By comparison, Hamlet has a great deal to gain from seeking his own bloody revenge on Claudius, and yet he still delays and fails to act toward his purpose. Disgusted with himself for having failed to gain his revenge on Claudius, Hamlet declares that from this moment on, his thoughts will be bloody.

SUMMARY QUESTIONS 1. HOW DOES CLAUDIUS REACT TO WHAT GERTRUDE TELLS HIM ABOUT HAMLET? WHAT DOES THIS REVEAL ABOUT CLAUDIUS’ • He realizes it could have been him killed behind the CHARACTER? curtain. • He wonders how to handle this without the public turning on him. • He determines Hamlet must go to England immediately. **Claudius is worried about himself! 2. WHAT DOES HAMLET DO WITH POLONIUS’ BODY? HOW DO THESE ACTIONS DEVELOP HIM AS A CHARACTER? HOW DOES THIS ALTER YOUR OPINION OF HIM? Hamlet has hidden Polonius’ body “The body is with the king, but the king is not with the body” (IV. ii. 25 -26) King Hamlet (dead) Claudius

3. Where will Claudius send Hamlet and why? What will he do to Hamlet once he is in England? Claudius will send Hamlet to England to collect the owed tribute. He has sent along a letter to the King of England asking him to KILL Hamlet. 4. Who is Prince Fortinbras? What is he attempting to do? Prince Fortinbras is the head of the Norwegian army (Prince of Norway). He is attempting to pass through Denmark to attack Poland to gain a little land that does not have much value. 5. After hearing about the impending war, why does Hamlet become disgusted with himself? To what central idea does this relate and how? Hamlet is disgusted with himself because he has not gotten his revenge on Claudius. He looks at Young Fortinbras’ motivation and ambition to fight a bloody war when there is so little to gain while Hamlet still has done nothing and has so much to gain from following through with his plan. *Action vs. Inaction *Revenge

HAMLET’S FINAL SOLILOQUY What kind of man only eats and sleeps? A beast. God gave us power of thought and will to use them, not sit by overthinking. Why haven’t I done it already? Tender prince= Fortinbras Puts life in danger for a worthless piece of land. A truly great man will fight nothing if his honor is at stake. From this point forward, my thoughts will be on revenge or nothing at all.

QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS 6) On lines 44 -45, Hamlet describes his lack of action as “ one part wisdom and three parts cowardice”. What does this phrase reveal about Hamlet’s character in relation to the central idea of revenge? Hamlet says that his thoughts for revenge are outweighed by his overthinking about the deed. 7) Hamlet makes reference on lines 51 to an advancing army led by a “delicate and tender” (sensitive and youthful ) prince. This is the army led by Fortinbras , the young Prince of Norway, whose father the king (also named Fortinbras) was killed by Hamlet’s father (also named Hamlet). Now Fortinbras wishes to attack Denmark to avenge his father’s honor. ****How does Hamlet describe Forinbras, his actions, and his goals in lines 52 -56? Fortinbras is a tender and delicate prince who is determined and ambitious, willing to risk his life for something so meaningless. 8) How do these descriptions reveal Hamlet’s attitude or opinion of Fortinbras? Hamlet admires Fortinbras’ courage and ambition and is disgusted in himself for not acting where there is cause.

9) How does Shakespeare develop Hamlet’s character in these lines describing Fortinbras? Hamlet pities himself and sees himself as a coward. 10. A foil character is one that is used to emphasize particular qualities of another character through contrast. How is Fortinbras a foil for Hamlet? • Both men are princes seeking to avenge their fathers’ deaths. • Hamlet has not made a clear plan but has killed Polonius by mistake Fortinbras risks his life to reach his goal. • Fortinbras is rash and acts boldly Hamlet is cautious and spends too much time thinking. • Hamlet has cause but does not act Fortinbras acts but has little cause. 11) In the last two lines of his soliloquy, Hamlet says, “ O from this time forth/ My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!” A) Paraphrase these lines. B) What central idea do these lines develop and how? A) From this moment on, my thoughts will be on revenge or the thoughts are worthless. B) Action vs. Inaction & Revenge

ACT 4. 5 -4. 7 FALLING ACTION

1. They are speaking of Ophelia.

2. Polonius dead and gone

3. Story of a woman used. Like Laertes warned her earlier. A young man promised to marry her, but once he had her, he never came to her again. By morning, the young woman is to blame (she is ruined). 4. Describe Ophelia's state of mind at this point. She seems to have lost her mind due to grief over the loss of her father and possibly the loss of Hamlet’s love. # Madness. 5. “When it rains it pours” 1) Polonius killed 2) Hamlet sent away due to his violent actions 3) Ophelia’s madness 4) Angry Laertes

Claudius quickly buried Polonius without much ceremony, now nasty rumors are spreading. 6. What TWO disturbing pieces of news does the Messenger deliver? 1. Laertes is returned leading a rebellion 2. The people yell for Laertes to be king.

Gertrude defends Claudius as the innocent party. Laertes is impulsive. God protects the king, so traitors can’t hurt him. — Ironic? Ironic since King Hamlet was not protected from a traitor!

Laertes does not care about his allegiance to the King or his conscience He wants revenge no matter the cost! (FOIL CHARACTER!) Claudius will prove to Laertes he is innocent of his father’s murder. He is shocked by his sister. He is going to want revenge for her too.

Laertes vows to get Revenge for Ophelia’s madness too.

Claudius promises to help Laertes get his revenge. 7. What TWO matters are disturbing Laertes? 1. The death of his father (and the quick burial) 2. The madness of Ophelia

Hamlet Audio 2: 55: 30 8. What information is in the letter Horatio receives from Hamlet? • Hamlet has escaped the ship and is back in Denmark. • Send the messengers to Claudius (they have letters for him) • These messengers will bring Horatio to Hamlet • Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are still headed for England.

Now Laertes knows that Hamlet killed Polonius and was trying to kill Claudius. 9. Claudius tells Laertes that he did not do anything to Hamlet for his crime for TWO reasons. What are they? i. Gertrude loves him and Claudius does not want to hurt her or part from her. ii. People of Denmark love him, whatever Claudius says against Hamlet will only be turned back on him.

Claudius is surprised to hear from Hamlet.

Laertes is looking forward to seeing Hamlet chance for revenge. Laertes will listen to Claudius’ advice as long as he does not try to make him forgive Hamlet. Claudius has a plan that will make Hamlet’s death look like an accident. Laertes agrees as long as he gets to do the killing!

Since Laertes left, people have been talking about his skill in fencing (sword fighting). Hamlet has heard this talk and is jealous.

Laertes is motivated and ready. Challenge Hamlet to a fight (Hamlet will never check the foils-the swords) And Laertes can choose one with a sharpened edge to kill Hamlet.

10. What plan do Laertes and Claudius have for getting rid of Hamlet? What is the backup plan? • In the fencing match, Laertes will use a sharpened foil. • Laertes adds to the plan that he will treat his blade with a poison that even if he only scratched Hamlet, it will kill him. • Back-up Plan When Hamlet asks for a drink, Claudius will offer him a poisoned cup. 11. The Queen enters, distraught, with news. What information does she impart? Ophelia has drowned.

She fell into a brook, she laid there for a while singing songs, completely unaware of the danger she was in- her clothes dragged her down to her death. Laertes is crying for his sister and is now even more motivated angry. It took Claudius a while to calm Laertes to hear his advice, he worries he will act sooner than planned. End 3: 07: 12

Questions for 4. 5 -4. 7 Scene 5 1. Who is the "she" they are talking about in the first 20 lines of this scene? 2. In line 34 -35 she says, "He is dead and gone. " Who is she talking about? 3. Read Ophelia's song (Lines 53 -60, 63 -71). What is the situation she describes? 4. Describe Ophelia's state of mind at this point. (Provide lines from the text in your explanation) 5. Lines 80 -86, Claudius discusses all the things that have gone wrong. What are they? (Provide lines from the text in your explanation) 6. What TWO disturbing pieces of news does the Messenger deliver? (Provide lines from the text in your explanation) 7. For what 2 reasons does Laertes want revenge? (Provide lines from the text in your explanation) Scene 6 8. What information is in the letter Horatio receives from Hamlet? Scene 7 9. Claudius tells Laertes that he did nothing to Hamlet for his crime for TWO reasons. What are they? 10. What plan do Laertes and Claudius concoct for getting rid of Hamlet? What is the back up plan? 11. The Queen enters, distraught, with news. What information does she impart? 12. How is Laertes characterized in this scene?

LET’S RECAP ACT 4

Act 4 scene 6 • Letter from Hamlet: o Hamlet escaped during Pirate attack o They treated Hamlet mercifully ($$) o Messenger has letters for Claudius and Gertrude too o Hamlet wants to see Horatio to tell him some news

Act 4 Scene 7 Enter King and Laertes • Laertes questions why Claudius did not do anything about Hamlet? • Claudius’ excuses – Queen loves him and I love her so much that I can’t hurt him, Denmark loves him and it would hurt his reputation • Claudius comes up with a plot to kill Hamlet so that it appears to be an accident • Laertes has a reputation as the best swordsman in Denmark – this made Hamlet jealous; o There will be a “friendly” duel set up between Hamlet and Laertes o There will be a sword that is without a tip (safe covering) allowing Laertes to kill Hamlet with it o Laertes also has a poison that he purchased that he will put on the end of the sword, so that even the smallest scratch will kill Hamlet

o King will have a poisoned drink ready when Hamlet is thirsty. o Also, King will put a wager on Hamlet to win so that the suspicion will be off of him • Queen enters and tells that Ophelia is dead – suicide o She was outside singing, when next to a brook, she tried to hang a wreath on a tree limb but fell into the brook. o She laid in the water for a while singing, however, her clothes became so heavy with water that she “drowned”