Hamlet Act IV Quiz

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 to have Hamlet punished 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 probably riot 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(his resolve to follow through to a cause that isn't very meaningful)

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(Hamlet thinks too much). Fortinbras takes action, but Hamlet does not because he is too busy thinking

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?

Hamlet encountered pirates, and made a deal with them: if he did something for them, then they would do something for him in return. The pirates are bringing him back to Denmark. He trusts Horatio but does not trust the king and queen(Horatio is in on Hamlet's plan)

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. (Hamlet has no reason to care anymore, so he does not feel any guilt)

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 and will drop 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. Hamlet has become a danger to the throne. Claudius doesn't want to have any connection with the murder of Hamlet because the public loves him.

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 with her. Why are they concerned about Ophelia?

She was acting crazy, they were worried she may commit suicide, and they sent people to watch her because she may spread rumors.

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 "Laertes shall be king". They think Claudius ordered for the murder of Polonius(since Claudius is in charge, it is his fault). He will tell Laertes who did it and he can get his revenge

deus ex machina

an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation