Hamlet Act 3 Scene 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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)

You have my father much offended. (correct)

You answer with a foolish tongue. (correct)

You are the queen, your husband's brother's wife. (correct)

Thou hast thy father much offended. (correct)

What does 'by the rood' mean?

By the cross on which Christ was crucified.

What threat does Hamlet give the queen?

Sit down and do not budge until I make you see the innermost part of you. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Polonius make noise behind the arras?

He speaks 'What ho! Help!' in surprise after the queen cries. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Hamlet first kill and how?

Hamlet first kills Polonius by thrusting his sword through the arras. Signup and view all the answers

Does Hamlet know who he kills behind the arras? Does he care?

He does not know and does not care; he questions if it is the king but finds it is Polonius. Signup and view all the answers

Who is a rat in Hamlet's context?

Polonius. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Hamlet falsely accuse of killing his father?

He accuses Gertrude of 'killing a king,' mistaking her for Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rose' mean in the context of Hamlet?

Perfection. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamlet's response to Gertrude about what she has done?

He calls virtue a hypocrite and discusses the false nature of her marriage vows. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mildew'd ear' mean?

Moldy ear of corn. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'matron' mean?

Mature woman. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hamlet describe his father, King Hamlet, to his mother?

As a god, with divine attributes and a noble presence. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hamlet insist that Gertrude's love for Claudius could not have been true love?

At Gertrude's age, the shift from a god for a husband to Claudius is impossible. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'apoplex'd' mean?

Paralyzed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about her senses?

Her senses are paralyzed by madness and she is unaware of her actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet say to Gertrude about a waxing candle?

If she can revolt in a mature woman's bone, virtue is like a candle's wax melting in flame. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stew'd' mean and what is its context?

Soaked; Hamlet calls Gertrude 'stew'd in corruption' as a pun on brothels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Queen's response to Hamlet's attack on her?

She feels he has turned her eyes into her soul, seeing black spots that will not wash away. 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.