HAMLET Act Four ACT FOUR SCENE I KEY

HAMLET Act Four

ACT FOUR SCENE I: KEY POINTS Claudius finds Gertrude upset after her meeting with Hamlet. Gertrude tells him how Hamlet killed Polonius but she tries to shield Hamlet from blame, explaining it stems from his madness. Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is tortured by regret for his actions which is a considerable stretch of the truth. The king fears for his own safety and decides that Hamlet should be sent away to England. He is totally self-interested, expressing only half-hearted sadness for the loss of Polonius. He is more concerned with the threat posed to himself. Unlike Hamlet, Claudius is decisive and quick to act – he doesn’t hesitate to deal with the crisis of Polonius murder and quickly arranges for R&G to retrieve the body.

Gertru de Maternal Feeling: In the previous scene Hamlet told Gertrude that he is not really insane, only “mad in craft” and asked her not to tell Claudius. In this scene Gertrude keeps her word and tells Claudius that Hamlet is totally insane: “Mad as the sea and wind, when both contend / Which is the mightier”. She also blames Polonius’ murder on this madness and paints a picture of Hamlet wracked with guilt. Is she remaining loyal to her son here or does she just believe that her son has genuinely lost the plot? Her claim that Hamlet weeps for Polonius is clearly false so suggests she is on his side.

A Shrewd Politician: After the performance of the play Claudius knows Hamlet is aware of his crime. Claudius also now knows if it was him instead of Polonius in that room, he would be dead. Hamlet, therefore, poses a serious threat to Claudius – either by attempting to murder him or by revealing his terrible secret. Yet, in spite of the pressure he is now under, Claudius retains his composure and acts in a decisive manner. He has already stated Hamlet will be sent to England, now this must happen as quickly as possible. However, he must make this decision seem warranted and reasonable to Gertrude and the public. For this reason, he now declares that Hamlet poses a threat to everyone: “His liberty is full of threats to us all”. The king also anticipates how he might be partially blamed for Polonius’ death – people will ask why was the prince free to roam the castle when Claudius knew he was mad? Claudius decides he will explain he loved his stepson too much to lock him up. However, he knows this is a messy situation, likely to give rise to rumours and stories and so decides to summon wise friends to help ‘spin’ the situation CLAUDIUS

ACT 4 SCENE I SCENE KEY QUOTES Gertrude: “Mad as the sea and wind, when both contend Which is the mightier. ” Claudius: “It will be laid to us whose providence Should have kept short, restrained and out of haunt This mad young man. ” Claudius: “His liberty is full of threats to us all To yourself, to us, to everyone” Gertrude: “he weeps for what is done”

ACT FOUR SCENE II: KEY POINTS Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet but are unable to get him to reveal the location of Polonius’ body. Hamlet’s “antic disposition” allows him to evade their questions and allows him to insult the two men. He calls Rosencrantz a “sponge” and tells them Claudius will discard them when they are no longer of use. Hamlet then asks to be brought to Claudius before running away and calling on the two men to chase him.

Hamle t Acting Insane? : Hamlet again acts in a mad and bizarre manner. He has just killed a man and is attempting to kill the body, yet he seems in a highly excited and playful state. He speaks in a cryptic manner to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and runs away from them as if they were playing a schoolyard game: “Hide fox, and all after” However, although R&G are extremely confused by what he says, the prince’s words are at times sharp and relevant. He tells them that they are little more than the king’s “sponges” and that Claudius will flatter and reward them while they have a use but will also quickly discard them when they are no longer needed.

ACT 4 SCENE II SCENE KEY QUOTES Hamlet: “When he needs what you have gleamed, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again”

ACT FOUR SCENE III: KEY POINTS Claudius discusses the difficulties he faces in punishing Hamlet, a popular figure with the Danish people. He is a shrewd politician and knows Hamlet cannot be put on trial or punished in Denmark. Claudius proves, once more, to be a ruthless individual. He plans to use R&G to deliver Hamlet to the King of England. The letters they carry give the English King instructions to kill Hamlet. While Hamlet is busy procrastinating, Claudius takes decisive action to rid himself of his enemy. Hamlet is brought before Claudius and finally reveals the location of Polonius’ body, after delivering a strange speech on death and decay. Hamlet enjoys using his mask of insanity to insult Claudius. Hamlet seems unconcerned about being sent to England hints that he knows it is Claudius’ plan to have him killed there, leaving Claudius deeply anxious about his plans.

A Shrewd Politician: Claudius knows he is dealing with a very sensitive situation which requires careful management. He is aware of Hamlet’s popularity and fears that his punishment could cause public outcry: “Yet we must not put the strong law on him: / He’s loved of the distracted multitude” Hamlet’s exile must appear to be a carefully weighed decision made with the good of the state in mind: “This sudden sending him away must seem / Deliberate pause” Anxious and Fearful: Though he appears composed when dealing with Hamlet and the court, Claudius reveals his anxiety at the end of the scene. He desperately hopes England will carry out his wishes to execute the prince. Hamlet has deeply unsettled him and until Claudius knows that he is dead, he will be unable to relax: “Till I know ‘tis done, / Howe’er my haps, my joys were ne’er begun”. Ruthless: He has no reservation about killing the son of the woman he loves. He appears willing to threaten England to ensure his instructions are obeyed. The king’s aim is to retain power at any cost. CLAUDIUS

Hamlet Acting Insane? : Hamlet continues to act insane. His response to Claudius’ questions are strange, describing Polonius as “at supper” and speaking of worms and maggots. However, again, what the prince speaks is not mindless gibberish. His responses may be bizarre but there also sharp and logical observations about death. His speech about worms makes the point that kings are no better than beggars once they die. Comparing a king to a beggar should deeply offend a monarch, who believes he is essentially divine. Hamlet gets away with it here under the guise of insanity. Confident and Bold: Although at the mercy of the king, Hamlet does not appear distressed in any way. He greets the news of England with a nonchalant “good”, though he seems quite aware that Claudius is plotting his death. Hamlet seems energised since discovering the Ghost’s story is true. He no longer has any doubts about Claudius’ guilt and seems willing and capable of taking revenge. His confident behaviour in front of the king seems designed to unsettle Claudius and it works. However, Hamlet has lost the advantage he gained after the play’s performance by killing Polonius. Now Claudius has a legitimate reason to have Hamlet removed from Denmark.

ACT 4 SCENE III SCENE KEY QUOTES Claudius: “Yet we must not put the strong law on him: He’s loved of the distracted multitude, Who like not in their judgement but their eyes” Hamlet: “We fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table. That’s the end. ”

ACT 4 SCENE IV: KEY POINTS As he is being led to the ship that will take him to England, Hamlet sees the army of Fortinbras on its way to fight Poland. Fortinbras, as a man of action, works as a foil or contrast to Hamlet. He is presented as a brave and decisive man who is willing to risk his life as a matter of honour. He is a clear contrast to the procrastinating Hamlet who agonises over each and every decision. Recognising the difference between himself and Fortinbras, Hamlet criticises himself for his inability to act and take vengeance against Claudius. Hamlet knows it is thought that stands in the way of action. Inspired by Fortinbras then, Hamlet appears to recover his resolution and vows to act with more violence and determination from this point on. However, it is worth noting that he says his “thoughts be bloody” rather than ‘my deeds be bloody’ – perhaps he is still a victim of his own flawed nature.

Self-Critical After exposing the king’s guilt through the play, Hamlet seemed energised and purposeful. He was full of anger and violence and ready to kill Claudius. However, he let his moment pass when he didn’t kill Claudius in the Prayer Scene and then hands the advantage back to Claudius by killing Polonius. Hamlet once again seems to have lost the rage and violence necessary to carry out his vengeance. His speech upon seeing Fortinbras is similar to his soliloquy in Act 2 Scene II after watching the player’s emotional performance of ‘Hecuba’. Again, he is appalled that he, who has a greater motivation than Fortinbras, cannot kill Claudius. He vows once again to act in a bloody manner. Hamlet

The Ambitious Prince: Although we have heard Fortinbras talked of before, this is the first time we meet him in the play. In spite of the fact that he doesn’t say very much, his words convey determination and single-mindedness. With his willingness to march against Poland over an insignificant piece of land, Fortinbras’ ability to act decisively, even if the consequences are bloody, can be contrasted clearly with Hamlet’s procrastination and self-reflection. Hamlet recognises how he differs from Fortinbras and seeks to use the Norweigan prince’s example as a motivation to act more violently and decisively in the future. FORTINBRAS

ACT 4 SCENE IV: SCENE KEY QUOTES Hamlet: “Of thinking too precisely on th’ event, - A thought which quartered, hath but one part wisdom And ever three parts coward – I do not know Why yet I live to say ‘This thing’s to do’” Hamlet: “to be great Is not to stir without great argument But greatly to find quarrel in a straw When honour’s at the stake” Hamlet: “O, from this time forth My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!”

ACT 4: SO FAR - QUESTIONS 1. In Scene 1, Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is “mad as the sea and wind”, even though Hamlet told her that he is only “mad in craft”. Does Gertrude truly believe that Hamlet is mad or is she lying to protect her son? Is there any other evidence in this scene of Gertrude trying to protect her son? 2. Do you think Claudius shows himself to be a skilled politician in scenes I – IV? Give reasons for your answer. 3. At the end of Act 3 Hamlet seems energised and purposeful. Has this energy and purpose carried through in Act 4? 4. What is it about Fortinbras that Hamlet admires?

ACT 4 SCENE V: KEY POINTS Ophelia appears before the queen in a mad and troubled state. She sings fragments of songs about heartbreak and death. Claudius states that her madness comes “all from her father’s death” but themes of Ophelia’s songs suggests there is more contributing to her sorrow. The combination of her father’s murder and her failed relationship with Hamlet has driven her mad. Claudius speaks of the troubles befalling the court and suggests that the pressure is becoming too much. Laertes storms the castle looking for revenge for his father’s death. Claudius continues to show his skill at manipulating those around him. He successfully placates the fiery Laertes by using a combination of charm (“Good Laertes”) and lies (I am guiltless of your father’s death / And am most sensible in grief for it”)

ACT 4 SCENE V: KEY POINTS When Ophelia re-enters the room Laertes is devastated to see his sister’s condition. By the end of the scene Claudius has convinced Laertes he is an ally rather an enemy. Claudius is manipulating him into bringing down Hamlet. Claudius’ hypocrisy is evident to the audience in this scene. He assures Gertrude that he enjoys divine protection as the king but he, and the audience, know that no divine protection protected Hamlet Senior when Claudius poisoned him. As a passionate and confrontational avenger, Laertes acts as another foil to Hamlet. While Hamlet is held back by his conscience, Laertes is driven by impulse and instinct. Both men desire revenge for the murder of their fathers but Laertes is driven by a need to act which contrasts with Hamlet’s lack of action.

Gertr ude Unsympathetic? Gertrude’s behaviour continues to be ambiguous. At the beginning of the scene she heartlessly refuses to see Ophelia. This refusal might be down to the fact that she is in a state of confusion and uncertainty since her meeting with Hamlet and feels unable to face a difficult meeting. However, it is hard not to feel sympathy for Ophelia and Gertrude only relents when Horatio tells her is it is in the political interest to give Ophelia an audience. A Loyal Queen: Though she does seem to be experiencing guilt: “So full of artless jealousy is guilt”, Gertrude appears to be a loyal wife to Claudius. Any doubt or guilt is quickly forgotten when she learns about the Danish rebellion supporting Laertes. She immediately expresses her contempt for these people and her loyalty to the king. She also restrains Laertes in a bid to protect her husband. When Claudius tells Laertes Polonius is dead, she is quick to add “But not by him”. It seems Hamlet’s accusations have not been enough to overcome her loyalty to the king.

Anxious Yet Composed: Although Hamlet has been sent away to England to be executed, Claudius is still anxious and fears for his kingship. Polonius’ death and his hasty and secret burial have resulted in negative rumours in Denmark. There is also talk of Laertes leading a revolt. Despite his political skill Claudius cannot control the thoughts of his people and the pressure of recent events is almost too much for him. However, he will only admit this to Gertrude. Yet just at the moment it seems to be too much, Laertes arrival gives Claudius the chance to address his greatest threat. Though Laertes is angry and threatens violence, Claudius appears self-assured, calm and composed. He shows no fear in the face of death. Claudius

Claudius Shrewd Politician: By letting Laertes express his anger and determination for vengeance, Claudius diffuses a very dangerous situation. He asks Laertes a series of short questions that make him realise he has no definite proof of the king’s guilt. Through his calm and soothing performance he placates the angry Laertes. It is a confident and impressive act from someone under immense pressure. Manipulative: Claudius is rescued from the situation by Ophelia’s reappearance. Laertes is so distraught at his sister’s madness that Claudius is able to suggest how his innocent might be proven. He proposes Laertes wisest friends should question him and determine if he was involved in Polonius’ death. He appears totally genuine, offering to renounce the kingdom if they believe him guilty. In reality he is shamelessly using a moment of grief to manipulate the situation to his advatnage.

An Innocent Victim: We can see in this scene how recent events have taken a terrible toll on Ophelia. Her hopes for marriage have been left devastated by Hamlet’s cruel ‘madness’. Her father has been killed and his body buried in secrecy. The man she loved is responsible for his death and has now been sent away. Ophelia has been left alone to suffer these misfortunes. The queen initially refuses to see her and the only one who cares for her, Laertes, has been out of the country. When Laertes returns he is horrified to see how changed his sister is. This is not the “antic disposition” of Hamlet but genuine madness. Ophelia

LAERTES Vengeful: Laertes returns in a dramatic fashion. Enraged at his father’s murder and undignified burial, he secretly returns from France to challenge the king. Rumours are rife that Claudius was involved in Polonius’ death and so Laertes gathers a group of men willing to revolt against the king. It seems as if Laertes intention is to kill the king and seize throne. He has already managed to storm the castle and get to the king and queen. Only Claudius’ cool composure prevents the king’s death. Laertes’ remarkable action and his adamant desire for revenge stand in clear contrast to Hamlet’s procrastination and lack of action after hearing of his own father’s murder. With no definite evidence of Claudius’ guilt, Laertes has decided to storm the castle and kill the king. The rage and desire for bloody vengeance that he feels seems unnatural to Hamlet. The prince has to make a considerable effort to feel such intense anger and even then it is short-lived.

A Loving Brother: Not only is Laertes obviously devastated by his father’s death, he is cruelly exposed, without any forewarning, to the sight of his sister’s insanity. What he says reveals how he deeply cares for her: O heat, dry up my brain, tears seven times salt / Burn out the sense and virtue of mine eye!” LAERTES

ACT 4 SCENE V: KEY QUOTES Gertrude: “To my sick soul, as sin’s true nature is, Each toy seems prologue to some great amiss So full of artless jealousy is guilt It spills itself in fearing to be spilt. ” Claudius: “There’s such divinity doth hedge a king That treason can but peep to what it would Acts little of its will. ” Laertes: “To hell allegiance! Vows to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation … only I’ll be revenged Most thoroughly for my father. ”

ACT 4 SCENE VI: KEY POINTS A group of sailors deliver a letter to Horatio from Hamlet. The prince tells how his ship was attacked by pirates, how he boarded the pirate ship and has appeared to make a deal for his return to Denmark. This short scene heightens the dramatic tension as the audience look forward to Hamlet’s return. Hamlet has also written a letter for the king to inform him of Hamlet’s return. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s fate seems uncertain – Hamlet already knows that they are working for Claudius and hints that he has taken steps to deal with their treachery: “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern hold their course for England. Of them I have much to tell thee” Fate seems to be working in Hamlet’s favour here with the arrival of the pirates. However, he takes matters into his own hands, decisively taking the opportunity to switch ships.

A Ruthless Streak: In Act 4 Scene IV Hamlet vowed to act more ruthlessly and decisively. Hamlet’s letter to Horatio describes how he single-handedly fought his way onto the pirate’s ship. He then managed to strike a deal with the pirates so that he could be brought back to Denmark. So far Hamlet is making good on his promise. Hamle

THINK ABOUT IT! The unexpected intervention of the pirates means that Claudius’ best laid plans have been upset. Thanks to the pirates Hamlet has now been returned to Denmark. Given his new streak of courage and impulsiveness we wait to see if he will use this opportunity to take swift action against Claudius.

ACT 4 SCENE VII: KEY POINTS Claudius has convinced Laertes that Hamlet was responsible for Polonius’ death. He explains that he couldn’t punish Hamlet properly for this crime because of his love for Gertrude and the public’s love of Hamlet. A letter is brought to the king which announces Hamlet’s imminent return and Claudius quickly devises a plan to have Hamlet killed. He will arrange a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet and poison Laertes’ sword tip, which will be sharpened rather than blunt. Claudius is a truly reprehensible and devious villain. He manipulates Laertes to achieve his own ends underlining the fact that he is a scheming, cynical character. By using Laertes, Claudius distances himself from the murder plot, all while plotting to sabotage the fencing match and poison Hamlet if necessary. He will stop at nothing to protect himself.

ACT 4 SCENE VII: KEY POINTS Laertes agrees to the plan, hungry for revenge for his father. There is great dramatic irony in his pronouncement that he would be happy “To cut his throat i’ th’ church”. The audience must immediately think of the Prayer Scene and the opportunity Hamlet passed up to kill Claudius. Gertrude arrives with the news that Ophelia has drowned. Her poetic and beautiful account of her death contrasts with the moral ugliness of Claudius and Laertes’ plan to murder Hamlet. Gertrude’s account of Ophelia’s death romanticises it, presenting it as an accident. Later in the play however, it is suggested that Ophelia took her own life. Perhaps Gertrude is only trying to spare Laertes’ feelings here.

Claudius Manipulative: We see here just how effectively Claudius can manipulate other people to suit his own interests. He carefully convinces Laertes he is innocent of any involvement in Polonius’ death, while also convincing him of Hamlet’s guilt. Laertes and Claudius now have a common enemy. When Claudius receives Hamlet’s letter he needs to think quickly. He immediately sees how he can manipulate Laertes’ grief and anger to get the job done without implicating himself. To ensure Laertes’ involvement he pushes him regarding his feelings about his father. He is careful to stoke Laertes’ need for revenge while also ensuring he doesn’t get too worked up. Claudius knows how easily things can go wrong if emotions are running too high. This is why Claudius is so irritated at the end of the scene. He has carefully gotten Laertes to the right temperament and he fears the news of Ophelia’s death will make him act recklessly.

Claudius Composed and Heartless: Once again Claudius is faced with a crisis and he once again responds in a calm and collected manner. Claudius is obviously shocked when he receives Hamlet’s letter but very quickly thinks of a way of dealing with the situation. Should his fencing plan work, not only will Hamlet be gotten rid of but it will also seem to be a tragic accident. This scene also shows us Claudius’ total insensitivity to other people’s feelings. Laertes is devastated by Ophelia’s death but the only thing Claudius can think of is how his anger might upset their scheme to have Hamlet murdered: “How much I had to do to calm his rage! / Now fear I this will give it start again”. He shows no empathy for Laertes’ grief and can think only of himself. This repeats a trend we have seen throughout the play. He couldn’t understand Hamlet’s reaction towards his father’s death, nor did he seem to show any sorrow over Polonius’ death.

Vengeful: Laertes is burning with a desire to avenge his father’s death and his sister’s madness. Once he has satisfied himself of Claudius’ innocence, he readily joins in the king’s scheme to have Hamlet murdered. His violent need for revenge is so extreme he says he would be willing to cut the prince’s throat in a church. This is in stark contrast to Hamlet’s hesitation when he thought Claudius was praying. A Loving Brother: As well as having to cope with his father’s death, Laertes now has to deal with the loss of his sister. In spite of his attempt not to cry: “I forbid my tears”, he cannot control his grief. However, though his grief is clearly genuine and heartfelt, we have to question Laertes’ treatment of Ophelia when she was alive. After seeing her in a mad and troubled state Laertes lamented her condition but didn’t seem to do much to comfort or help her. While Laertes was plotting with Claudius, his sister was wandering alone outside the castle in a deeply disturbed state. LAERTES

An Innocent Victim: Ophelia’s tragic fate becomes clear with her death. In the atmosphere of fear and intrigue in the castle, she was the only one who acted naturally and spoke what she felt. Unfortunately, nobody seemed to care about her. Hamlet, the man who swore he loved her, treated her extremely badly, using her to vent his anger and disgust at his mother. He then murdered her father. Polonius was then buried in a rushed and secretive manner, preventing Ophelia from mourning for him properly. When he was alive, Polonius used her as a prop in his schemes with Claudius. Laertes was away and came back too late to save his sister from madness. When he did return, he spent his time plotting with Claudius rather than with his troubled sister. Ophelia was a vulnerable young woman with nobody looking out for her. Ophelia

ACT 4 SCENE VII SCENE: KEY QUOTES Claudius: “What would you undertake To show yourself in deed your father’s son More than in words? Laertes: “To cut his throat i’ th’ church” Claudius: “No place should murder sanctuaries. Revenge should have no bounds. ” Gertrude: “One woe doth tread upon another’s heel, So fast they follow. Your sister’s drowned, Laertes