Hamlet Act 4 Scene 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the summary of Ophelia's condition?

Ophelia is crazy with grief for her father's death and Claudius fears that the murder will have serious consequences. Laertes demands retribution, and his anger is heightened when he sees his sister.

What does the Gentlemen report to Gertrude about Ophelia's condition? (Select all that apply)

She is taking offense to the littlest things (correct)

She is very happy

She is talking nonsense (correct)

She is acting strangely (correct)

What does Gertrude remark about the recent happenings?

She has a sick and guilty soul, and everything is full of uncontrolled suspicion that leads to fears destroying her.

What does Ophelia sing about to the Queen?

She sings old ballads mourning her father's death and Hamlet's unkindness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ophelia sing about to Claudius?

She sings about a maid who became the king's valentine and had sex with him without meaning, reflecting betrayal by men. Signup and view all the answers

Who is instructed to watch Ophelia?

Horatio Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius mean by 'when sorrow comes, they come not single spies but in battalions'?

It means that misfortunes come all at once rather than one by one. Signup and view all the answers

What does Claudius blame for Hamlet's absence?

Claudius shifts the blame onto Hamlet himself, calling him the violent author of his own removal. Signup and view all the answers

What type of monarchy did Denmark have?

Denmark had an elective monarchy, where the king, though nominated, had to be ratified by the voice of the people. Signup and view all the answers

What mood is Laertes in? (Select all that apply)

Disrespectful Signup and view all the answers

What did Elizabethans believe about their king?

They believed that the king was God's representative on earth and protected by almighty power. Signup and view all the answers

How do the king and queen act toward Laertes?

The queen tries to restrain him and tells him to calm down, asserting that the murder was not by Claudius. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ophelia's Condition and Grief

Ophelia descends into madness due to her father's death, prompting fear in Claudius about potential consequences.
Laertes seeks vengeance, intensified by seeing Ophelia's state.

Gentlemen's Report to Gertrude

Gertrude learns that Ophelia is behaving erratically and is easily offended.
Despite her nonsensical talk, people try to interpret her words, reflecting their own fears and concerns.
Ophelia's unhappiness may lead to dangerous implications, suggesting she might pose harm.

Gertrude's Reflections

Gertrude feels guilt and illness, seeing every little incident as the precursor to greater disasters.
She is consumed by unfounded suspicions that fuel her fears.

Ophelia’s Songs

Ophelia sings melancholic ballads about her father and Hamlet, highlighting her sorrow.
Her songs indicate a lack of a proper burial for Polonius, as they hint at the absence of traditional mourning practices.

Subject of Ophelia's Singing

She references St. Valentine's Day, presenting a cynical view of love and betrayal.
Critiques men's promises of marriage that lead to betrayal, explicitly connected to Hamlet’s actions.

Religious References

"Gis" refers to Jesus, while "Saint Charity" symbolizes virtue.

Terms and Their Meanings

"Cock" serves as a pun indicating both God and a sexual reference.
"Muddied" describes a confused state, akin to stirred water, illustrating the chaos surrounding Hamlet.

Claudius’s Perspective

Claudius deflects responsibility for Hamlet’s absence, portraying Hamlet as the cause of his own departure.
Uses the royal plural "we" to signify himself and shift the blame.
Claudius discusses judgement, equating lack of it with being less than human.

Laertes' Fury and Public Sentiment

Laertes harbors intense anger towards Claudius, exhibiting disrespect and contempt.
News spreads that the populace favors Laertes as king, challenging the traditional monarchy.

Laertes' Response to Calmness Advice

Laertes refuses to calm down, suggesting that doing so would betray his family's honor and legacy.

Elizabethan Beliefs About Kingship

Kings were seen as divine representatives, believed to be under God's protection.

Interaction with Laertes

Initially restrained by the Queen, Claudius and Gertrude endeavor to calm Laertes while denying his accusations against Claudius.

Description

Explore key concepts and definitions from Act 4 Scene 5 of Hamlet. This quiz focuses on Ophelia's state of mind and the reactions of other characters to her grief. Perfect for reviewing important themes and character dynamics.