Hamlet questions—The crisis boils on…

Act IV, scene iv

1) Hamlet speaks to Fortinbras’ captain in this scene. How does the captain’s news make Hamlet feel? Why?

2) What does Hamlet determine in the soliloquy in 4.4? Does he seem changed to you? Briefly explain.

Act IV, scene v

1)  Ophelia’s songs deal mainly with what two topics? Why do you think she focuses on these subjects?

2)  Laertes is back in big way. Why? What are the people saying should happen to Laertes?

3)  How does Laertes react to Ophelia’s madness? See lines 160-175. (154-169, red book)

4)  Look at lines 182-192 (175-186, red). Flowers had meanings in Shakespeare’s day. Even today a red rose and a yellow rose mean different things. Look at the side notes explaining the meaning of the flowers she mentions. To whom do you think Ophelia would give each of these eight types of flowers? Why? (She can give people more than one).

Act IV, scene vi

5)  To whom does Hamlet send a letter in this scene? Why do you think Hamlet sends him a letter? What does the letter say?

Act IV, scene vii

6) Claudius has obviously convinced Laertes of his innocence. What things of a personal nature do we learn about Gertrude and Claudius (4.7.10-17)?

7) Laertes wants his revenge, but Claudius tells him "You shortly shall hear more." What does Claudius expect to be able to tell Laertes soon?

8) What does Hamlet's letter tell Claudius? Why does Hamlet want to see him "alone"? What seems to be Hamlet's plan? Why would he send the King this letter?

9) What are some of the mind games/lines that Claudius uses to manipulate Laertes? What is it about Laertes’ mindset that makes it possible for Claudius to manipulate him at this point?

10) What would Laertes do to get revenge (4.7.129) (line 126, red)? How does this compare to Hamlet? How does Claudius respond?

11) What different tricks will Laertes and Claudius employ to kill Hamlet?

12) What happened to Ophelia? Did she kill herself, or is her death accidental (based on this description; her death gets a different spin in 5.1)?

13) What is Laertes' response to her death? What does Claudius fear will happen?