Hamlet Act IV Questions

Act 4, Scene 1:

1) How does Gertrude describe the events of the previous scene to Claudius?

2) What is Claudius's reaction to Polonius's death?

3) How does Claudius plan to handle the situation with Hamlet?

4) What does Gertrude's loyalty to Hamlet reveal about her character?

5) Why is it important for Claudius to quickly send Hamlet to England?

Act 4, Scene 2:

1) How does Hamlet respond to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's questioning?

2) What is Hamlet's attitude towards his friends in this scene?

3) What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern fail to understand about Hamlet's behavior?

4) How does this scene contribute to the tension between Hamlet and the other characters?

5) What does Hamlet's treatment of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern reveal about his trust in them?

Act 4, Scene 3:

1) What is Claudius's plan for Hamlet's execution in England?

2) How does Hamlet respond to Claudius's questioning about Polonius's body?

3) Why does Hamlet refer to Polonius as "worm's meat"?

4) What does this scene reveal about Claudius's determination to get rid of Hamlet?

5) How does the dialogue in this scene contribute to the play's themes of corruption and deception?

Act 4, Scene 4:

1) What event causes Hamlet to reflect on his own inaction?

2) Who is Fortinbras, and why is he leading an army?

3) How does Fortinbras's situation contrast with Hamlet's?

4) What does Hamlet's soliloquy reveal about his feelings toward himself and his mission?

5) How does this encounter with Fortinbras's army influence Hamlet's decision to take action?

Act 4, Scene 5:

1) What has happened to Ophelia in this scene?

2) How do the characters react to Ophelia's madness?

3) What does Ophelia's madness symbolize in the context of the play?

4) How does Gertrude react to Ophelia's death?

5) What news does a messenger bring to Claudius and Gertrude in this scene?

Act 4, Scene 6:

1) What information does Horatio receive from Hamlet in the letter?

2) How did Hamlet escape from the ship to England?

3) What does Hamlet's letter reveal about his state of mind?

4) How does Hamlet's return to Denmark set the stage for the climax of the play?

5) What does Horatio's loyalty to Hamlet reveal about his character?

Act 4, Scene 7:

1) What do Claudius and Laertes plot against Hamlet in this scene?

2) How does Claudius manipulate Laertes into agreeing to the plan?

3) What is the significance of the poisoned sword and poisoned wine in their scheme?

4) How does Gertrude reveal the news of Ophelia's death to Laertes?

5) What does the plotting in this scene reveal about Claudius's character?