Podcast
Questions and Answers
What happens when Polonius hides behind the arras?
What happens when Polonius hides behind the arras?
Polonius hides behind the arras to overhear Hamlet's conversation with his mother and pays with his life.
What rude responses does Hamlet give Gertrude in their first moments of meeting? (Select all that apply)
What rude responses does Hamlet give Gertrude in their first moments of meeting? (Select all that apply)
What does 'by the rood' mean?
What does 'by the rood' mean?
By the cross on which Christ was crucified.
What threat does Hamlet give the queen?
What threat does Hamlet give the queen?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Polonius make noise behind the arras?
Why does Polonius make noise behind the arras?
Signup and view all the answers
Who does Hamlet first kill and how?
Who does Hamlet first kill and how?
Signup and view all the answers
Does Hamlet know who he kills behind the arras? Does he care?
Does Hamlet know who he kills behind the arras? Does he care?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is a rat in Hamlet's context?
Who is a rat in Hamlet's context?
Signup and view all the answers
Who does Hamlet falsely accuse of killing his father?
Who does Hamlet falsely accuse of killing his father?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'rose' mean in the context of Hamlet?
What does 'rose' mean in the context of Hamlet?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Hamlet's response to Gertrude about what she has done?
What is Hamlet's response to Gertrude about what she has done?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'mildew'd ear' mean?
What does 'mildew'd ear' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'matron' mean?
What does 'matron' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Hamlet describe his father, King Hamlet, to his mother?
How does Hamlet describe his father, King Hamlet, to his mother?
Signup and view all the answers
Why does Hamlet insist that Gertrude's love for Claudius could not have been true love?
Why does Hamlet insist that Gertrude's love for Claudius could not have been true love?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'apoplex'd' mean?
What does 'apoplex'd' mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about her senses?
What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about her senses?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about a waxing candle?
What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about a waxing candle?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'stew'd' mean and what is its context?
What does 'stew'd' mean and what is its context?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Queen's response to Hamlet's attack on her?
What is the Queen's response to Hamlet's attack on her?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Scene Overview
- Polonius hides behind the arras, intending to eavesdrop on Hamlet and Gertrude’s conversation, leading to his own death.
- Hamlet confronts Gertrude about her guilt, and only the appearance of the ghost calms his fury.
Hamlet's Dialogue with Gertrude
- Gertrude accuses Hamlet of offending her father; Hamlet retorts that she has offended his father.
- Their exchange grows tense, with insults exchanged regarding the nature of their tongues.
- Hamlet asserts her dual role as queen and mother, which adds complexity to their conflict.
Key Quotes and Terminology
- "By the rood" refers to the cross on which Christ was crucified, reflecting the gravity of Hamlet's confrontation.
- Hamlet's command to Gertrude: "sit down and do not budge until I made you see the innermost part of you."
- Shakespeare uses "mildew'd ear" to symbolize corruption and decay in Gertrude's perception.
Polonius and the Aftermath
- Polonius creates noise behind the arras, exclaiming "What ho! Help!" when startled by the queen's distress.
- Hamlet kills Polonius without realizing it, calling out "a rat!" as he thrusts his sword blindly.
Hamlet's Indifference
- Hamlet is uncertain of Polonius' identity at first but shows indifference upon discovery, comparing the act to killing a king.
Symbolism and Themes
- The term "rat" is emblematic of betrayal; Polonius is ultimately shown to be a nuisance in this dangerous political game.
- Hamlet accuses Gertrude of having killed his father emotionally, highlighting themes of betrayal and moral corruption.
- "Rose" symbolizes purity, contrasted with the corruption Hamlet perceives in Gertrude's actions.
Hamlet's Descriptions and Reactions
- Hamlet describes his deceased father through divine imagery, likening him to godly figures of strength and virtue.
- He argues Gertrude's love for Claudius cannot be genuine given her previous marriage to a man of heroic stature.
Gertrude’s Soul-Searching
- Gertrude expresses deep inner turmoil upon hearing Hamlet's accusations, stating that his words are daggers that pierce her soul.
- She recognizes a darkness within herself, suggesting a painful acknowledgment of her past choices.
Psychological Insights
- Hamlet suggests that Gertrude’s senses are compromised by madness, as her emotional blindness prevents her from discerning moral right from wrong.
- Gertrude’s response indicates a struggle to reconcile her sense of self after Hamlet's probing and painful accusations.
Final Thoughts
- Hamlet uses the imagery of a melting candle to comment on the fleeting nature of virtue in the face of overpowering passion.
- The intense dialogue showcases Hamlet's contempt for what he views as his mother's moral decay and the catastrophic effects of unchecked desire.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the key elements of Act 3 Scene 4 from Shakespeare's Hamlet through these flashcards. Delve into the pivotal moments and character interactions that shape this intense scene, including Hamlet's confrontation with Gertrude and the tragic fate of Polonius.
