Hamlet, Act IV, scene i

1
Hamlet, Act IV, scene i

• How is this scene ambiguous regarding Gertrudes
  conversation from the previous scene?
• On the one hand, Gertrude still plays the role of
  a faithful queen, telling Claudius of Polonius
  murder. She does not object to Hamlets being
  sent to England. On the other hand, she does not
  report to Claudius all of the details of her
  conversation with Hamlet, and there is no
  evidence to suggest that she knows the fate that
  awaits Hamlet in England.

2
Act IV, scene ii

• What is the apparent purpose of this brief scene?
• This scene really does not advance the plot,
  develop character, or help establish theme. There
  is, however, additional word play for the
  audiences amusement, and it possibly helps to
  establish Rosencrantz and Guildensterns naivete
  and innocence. They do not understand what Hamlet
  is accusing them of, nor do they recognize his
  warning that when Claudius is done with them, he
  will merely discard them.

3
Act IV, scene iii

• Why cant Claudius simply deal with Hamlet
  swiftly and harshly as allowed by law?
• As a prince, Hamlet is popular with the people of
  Denmark, and Claudius dare not antagonize them.

4
How does this scene advance Hamlets developing
awareness of death?

• The whole Polonius-body episode focuses on the
  physical aspect of death. The body remains to
  return to the dust, to be eaten by worms, etc.
  Hamlets observation that a Kings body might end
  up feeding a peasant foreshadows the realization
  he will have in Act V, scene I that the fact of
  death makes all people equal.

5
Do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern know the true
purpose of their journey to England?

• The exit before Claudius informs the audience
  that he has writtenand sealedletters
  instructing the English King to execute Hamlet.
  Therefore, they do not know the exact nature of
  their trip. Earlier (Act III, scene i), Claudius
  claimed that the trip to England was for the
  purpose of collecting a tax that was due and
  England had failed to pay. Plus, he alleged that
  the sea voyage and change of scenery would do
  Hamlets mental state good.

6
Act IV, scene iv

• What is the apparent purpose of this brief scene?
• First of all, this scene introduces us to
  Fortinbras, not as a hothead invading Denmark,
  but as a delicate and tender prince. Secondly,
  Fortinbras intent to invade Poland and fight
  over a worthless piece of land, and Polands
  intent to defend it again highlights Hamlets
  inactivity, the fact that he ahs a more concrete
  call to action and has taken none.