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?
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What does Hamlet accuse Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of?
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What does Hamlet allow Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 2?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 3?
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Who reveals the location of Polonius's body?
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What orders does Claudius send to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?
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What is Fortinbras doing when he comes across Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern?
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Why is Hamlet surprised by the nature of the conflict between Poland and Norway?
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What does Hamlet resolve to do after meeting Fortinbras?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 4?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 5?
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How does Ophelia handle the news of Polonius's death?
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What does Horatio urge Gertrude to do?
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How do the peasants feel about Laertes upon his return?
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What advice does Claudius give to Laertes?
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What does Hamlet's letter to Horatio say?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 6?
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What happens in Act IV, Scene 7?
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Why doesn't Claudius punish Hamlet?
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Why is Laertes happy about Hamlet's return to Denmark?
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When does Laertes plan to kill Hamlet?
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What do Laertes and Claudius plan to do if Hamlet wins the duel?
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How does Ophelia die?
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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.