Hamlet Act 4 Summary Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene I?

Gertrude reports Polonius's death to Claudius, who sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and recover the body.

Whom does Gertrude rush to see after Polonius is killed?

Claudius

What does Gertrude compare herself to?

The violent ocean

What is Claudius's main concern?

Keeping his power Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet accuse Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of?

Being spies for Claudius Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet allow Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?

Accompany him back to Claudius Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 2?

Hamlet refuses to tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where he has put Polonius's body. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 3?

Hamlet is brought to Claudius, who tells him that he is to leave immediately for England. Signup and view all the answers

Who reveals the location of Polonius's body?

Hamlet Signup and view all the answers

What orders does Claudius send to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

That Hamlet be killed Signup and view all the answers

What is Fortinbras doing when he comes across Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern?

He is on his way to attack Poland Signup and view all the answers

Why is Hamlet surprised by the nature of the conflict between Poland and Norway?

Because the conflict seems so insignificant Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet resolve to do after meeting Fortinbras?

Achieve his revenge Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 4?

Hamlet finds in Fortinbras's vigorous activity a model for himself in avenging his father's murder. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 5?

Reports meet Gertrude that Ophelia is mad. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ophelia handle the news of Polonius's death?

She goes crazy Signup and view all the answers

What does Horatio urge Gertrude to do?

Console Ophelia Signup and view all the answers

How do the peasants feel about Laertes upon his return?

They feel that he ought to be king Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Claudius give to Laertes?

That he should seek revenge on whoever is responsible for Polonius's death Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamlet's letter to Horatio say?

That he is returning to Denmark with news Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 6?

Horatio is given a letter from Hamlet telling of the prince's boarding of a pirate ship and his subsequent return to Denmark. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act IV, Scene 7?

Claudius gets a letter from Hamlet announcing the prince's return. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Claudius punish Hamlet?

Because too many people adore Hamlet Signup and view all the answers

Why is Laertes happy about Hamlet's return to Denmark?

Because he plans to kill him Signup and view all the answers

When does Laertes plan to kill Hamlet?

At a fencing match Signup and view all the answers

What do Laertes and Claudius plan to do if Hamlet wins the duel?

Poison him with a cup of wine Signup and view all the answers

How does Ophelia die?

She drowns in a river Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act IV Summary and Key Events

Gertrude informs Claudius of Polonius's death; he sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and retrieve the body.
Gertrude rushes to see Claudius after Polonius is killed.
Gertrude compares her emotional turmoil to the violent ocean.
Claudius's primary concern is maintaining his power over the kingdom.
Hamlet accuses Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of being spies for Claudius.
Hamlet allows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany him back to Claudius.

Scene 2 and Scene 3 Highlights

In Scene 2, Hamlet refuses to disclose Polonius's body location to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Claudius plans to send Hamlet to England immediately, secretly intending his death.
Hamlet reveals the location of Polonius's body, highlighting his interaction with Claudius.
Claudius sends orders to England for Hamlet to be killed.

Fortinbras and Hamlet's Resolve

Fortinbras encounters Hamlet while on his way to attack Poland, showcasing ambition.
Hamlet is surprised at the trivial nature of the Poland-Norway conflict.
Inspired by Fortinbras's vigor, Hamlet resolves to pursue revenge for his father’s murder.

Scene 5 Developments

News of Ophelia's madness reaches Gertrude, who struggles to assist her.
Ophelia enters, singing unsettling songs about death and betrayal.
Claudius feels guilt over Polonius's death, while Laertes is furious upon discovering his sister’s state.
Claudius manipulates Laertes by encouraging him to seek revenge against Polonius's murderer.

Ophelia and Laertes's Return

Ophelia’s descent into madness is a direct result of Polonius's death.
Horatio advises Gertrude to console the disoriented Ophelia.
The public views Laertes favorably and believes he deserves the crown.

Claudius and Laertes's Conspiracy

Claudius receives Hamlet’s letter announcing his return to Denmark.
Claudius conspires with Laertes to kill Hamlet during a fencing match, using a poisoned rapier.
If the plan fails, Claudius intends to have a poisoned cup of wine ready for Hamlet.

Final Moments and Ophelia's Fate

Claudius refrains from punishing Hamlet due to his popularity among the people.
Laertes anticipates Hamlet's return to enact his plan for revenge.
Ophelia tragically drowns in a river, marking a pivotal and devastating moment in the play.

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Description

Explore the key events and summaries from Act 4 of Shakespeare's Hamlet through these flashcards. Understand the critical moments after Polonius's death and how characters react to the unfolding tragedy. Perfect for reinforcing knowledge of this pivotal act in the play.

Hamlet Act 4 Summary & Key Events Flashcards