Hamlet Acts IV
8
Fortinbras travelling across Denmark
1
Gertrude tells Claudius Hamlet has killed Polonius
Why does Hamlet call Rosencrantz a sponge?
he desires and will do anything for the total approval of the king; king can "squeeze" information out of him
According to the letter delivered to Horatio, what happened to Hamlet? Why do you think he sent the letter to Horatio and not the king and queen?
he was abducted by pirates and coming back unarmed to Denmark to apologize; sailors have no access to king; trusts Horatio
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?
"Laertes shall be king!"; something is rotten; needed change
9
Captain and Hamlet talk
17
Claudius and Laertes plan Hamlet's death
7
Claudius sends Hamlet to England to be killed
4
Hamlet calls them sponges
18
Hamlet is coming back to denmark
10
Hamlet is reminded of his need to get revenge for his father
6
Hamlet still refuses to tell where body is
16
Hamlet tells him to meet him
15
Horatio learns Hamlet is headed back to Denmark
11
Horatio tells Gertrude to talk to Ophelia
13
Laertes comes in with support of the mob
14
Laertes demands explanation for Polonius's death and hasty burial
What terrible news does the queen deliver at the end of scene vii?
Ophelia drowned reaching for flowers and fell into brook; clothes dragged her down
12
Ophelia's madness is revealed
Laertes asks Claudius why he hasn't done anything to have Hamlet punished for the murder of Polonius. What reason does Claudius give?
Queen (mother) loves him - can't live without her; public loves him - overlooks his faults
2
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are told to get the body
5
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern bring Hamlet to Claudius
3
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern confront Hamlet
incensed
angry/enraged
countenance
approval/support
convocation
ceremonial gathering
straight
directly
Rue
disdain; repentance
When the king learns that Hamlet is returning to Elsinore, he and Laertes form a plan. What is their plan?
duel with Laertes; Laertes uses sharp sword with poison on it; backup: Hamlet unknowingly drinks poisonous drink
Violet
faithfulness
Columbine
folly; foolishness
Daisy
innocence; infidelity
Claudius sends Hamlet to England as he had planned. What instruction concerning Hamlet's fate does he put in letters to England. Why?
kill Hamlet immediately; Hamlet has become a danger to the throne
Why has Fortinbras of Norway arrived in Denmark with his army?
on the way to invade part of Poland
importunate
persistent
watch
protection
Rosemary
remembrance
Horatio and a Gentleman, concerned about Ophelia, ask the queen to speak with her. Why are they concerned about Ophelia?
she's acting crazy; impulsively angry; might kill herself
rapier
sword
Pansy
thoughts
conveyance
transportation
bloody
violent/agressive
Fennel
worthy of praise; flattery