Hamlet Act IV Quiz

deus ex machina

God out of the machine

When the king learns that Hamlet is returning ot Elsinore, he and Laertes form a plan. What is their plan?

1) Laertes will have a sword duel with Hamlet 2) Laertes will get to chose his sword; one sword will be sharper than the others 3) there will be poison on the tip of the sword 4) there will be poison in Hamlet's drink

Laertes asks Claudius why he hasn't done anything ot have Hamlet puished for the murder of Polonius. What two reasons does Claudius give?

1)Gertrude is so devoted to hamlet, and she means so much to Claudius 2) The public loves Hamlet so they would hate Claudius if he did anything to Hamlet

At the end of Hamlet's soliloquy he says, "O, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" Hamlet has finally resolved to act on the ghost's command to avenge his death. How has Hamlet been inspired to make up his mind at last?

Because of Fortinbras' dedication to honor

What are the similarities in Hamlet's and Fortinbras' circumstances? How does Hamlet contrast himself with Fortinbras in the soliloquy that begins, "How all occasions do form against me..."

Both of their fathers were murdered, both of their uncles assumed the throne, both are next in line for the throne; Fortinbras acts with honor, but Hamlet acts with reason.

According to the letter delivered ot Horatio, what happened to Hamlet? Why do you think he sent the letter to Horatio and not the king and queen?

Hamlet encountered pirates. He trusts Horatio but does not trust the king and queen

In this soliloquy, Hamlet speaks about reason and honor. How does Hamlet view reason? How does he judge Fortinbras' honor? Do you agree with Hamlet's statements? Why/why not?

Hamlet notes how Fortinbras may lose a bunch of men, but he is still acting with honor by trying to avenge his father. He says that reason can hold us back from doing things with honor. He judges Fortinbras' honor as good. He was willing to sacrifice a bunch of men and resources for his _honor_

What do these passages [about the worms] tell you about Hamlet's character? Do you think Hamlet feels any guilt concerning Polonius' death? How would Hamlet's attitude toward Polonius' death? How would Hamlet's attitude toward Polonius' death support the theory that he is crazy?

Hamlet was turning everything into a joke. He is desensitized and shows no remorse - so he does not feel guilty.

Why does Hamlet call Rozencrantz a sponge?

He is a kissup. He soaks up the kings praise and approval; in return, Claudius squeezes all of the usefulness out of him

Claudius sends Hamlet to England as he had planned. What instruction concerning Hamlet's fate does he put in letters ot England. Why?

He tells them to kill Hamlet. He says that he cannot be happy again until Hamlet is dead because he realizes that Hamlet knows about the murder.

Notice that both Hamlet and Laertes have lost a father through violence, and have been told about the deaths by questionable messengers (the ghost and Claudius). Compare and contrast these events and Hamlet's and Laertes' reactions.

Laertes doesn't care about what happens to himself when he kills Hamlet, and he doesn't take time to think. Hamlet cannot take action because he thinks too much.

What terrible news does the queen deliver at the end of scene vii?

Ophelia drowned in the lake; they aren't sure if it was an accident or suicide

Horatio and a Gentleman, concerned about Ophelia, ask the queen to speak wiht her. Why are they concerned about Ophelia?

Thet were worried about how she was acting and about what she would say to the public

Why has Fortinbras of Norway arrived in Denmark with his army?

They are going to invade Poland for a piece of land that is worth nothing

Laertes arrives at the castle with a group of followers. What are his followers shouting? Why? What does the king promise Laertes at the end of scene v?

They are shouting for Laetes to become king. They want him to be king because of all of the chaos. Claudius promises Laertes that if he is found guilty of the murder of Polonius, he will give Laertes the kingdom.

incensed

angry/enraged

countenance

approval/support

straight (I'll be with you straight)

directly, momentarily

fennel

flattery, deceit

convocation

formal assembly; ceremonial gathering

columbine

ingratitude and infidelity

daisy

innocent love

importunate

persistent, urgent

watch (give her good watch)

protection

rosemary

remembrance

rue

sorrow; repentance

violets

spring

rapier

sword

pansy

thoughts

conveyance

transportation

bloody

violent/aggressive