Hamlet Questions Act Four

Hamlet Questions Act Four Scene One 1. What is Claudius’s chief concern regarding the murder of Polonius? Claudius’ concern regarding the murder of Polonius was that Hamlet’s freedom is a danger/threat to everyone. He was concerned about the public’s reaction towards Hamlet’s crime (murder of Polonius), and that he would be held responsible for restraining Hamlet. Scene Three 2. What reason does Claudius give for not proceeding with legal action against Hamlet? Claudius refuses to proceed with legal action against Hamlet, because Hamlet was loved and looked up to by the people of Denmark. He was afraid that if he took legal action against Hamlet, the people would mainly focus on Hamlet’s imprisonment instead of the horrible crime he commited, which was the murder of Polonius. Scene Four 3. What points of comparison and contrast are suggested between Fortinbras and Hamlet? Both Fortinbras and Hamlet were grieving the murder of their fathers, wanting to seek revenge on the murderers of their fathers. What’s different about Fortinbras and Hamlet was that Hamlet’s own uncle (Claudius) murdered his father and married his mother. As for Fortinbras, old Hamlet (king of Denmark) killed his father. They had the desire to seek revenge in different ways: Hamlet wanted to murder his father’s murderer, and Fortinbras wanted to invade land. He had the idea of two thousand men and twenty thousand ducats to invade the land. 4. “Some craven scruple/Of thinking too precisely on the event.” Comment on this phrase as providing the reason for Hamlet’s delay. When Hamlet expressed this phrase he meant that he has been thinking about his method of revenge too often. He has been delaying his revenge plot because he wanted to find the perfect time and way to do so. Scene Five 5. What are the causes of Ophelia’s madness? Ophelia’s madness was caused by the death of her father, as well as finding out the murderer: Her supposed “love”, Hamlet. 6. How does this scene bring out the contrast between Hamlet and Laertes? Laertes is seen going mad in front of the king, queen and the people of denmark. He wanted to find out who the murderer was, wanting to seek revenge immediately. As for Hamlet, he has been delaying his revenge, looking for the right time and method to take revenge. Scene Six 7. How will Hamlet’s sudden return affect the plot? Because Hamlet has been gone, he sent a letter to Horatio telling him that he has been saved by pirates and that they would be bringing him back to Denmark. His return to Denmark would cause drama between him, Laertes and Ophelia since they had found out that Hamlet was indeed the murderer of their Father. Scene Seven 8. What reasons are given by Claudius for not bringing Hamlet to public trial? Claudius refused to bring Hamlet to public trial because he was afraid that the people would not agree to Hamlet being punished. Hamlet was loved by all the people of Denmark, so there could be a possibility that nobody would agree with him being imprisoned, and try to justify his actions. 9. How does Laertes’ cause parallel Hamlet’s? Both Hamlet and Laertes wish to avenge their father’s murder and seek revenge on whoever murdered them.