Act 3, Scene 4

Question 1

Main thing that happens in this scene?

Answer 1

Death of Polonius

Question 2

How is Polonius killed?

Answer 2

Hamlet believes that it is Claudius hiding behind the curtain and stabs him without knowing it is Polonius

Question 3

Reaction of Gertrude to murder?

Answer 3

‘O what a rash and bloody deed this is’

Question 4

Reaction of Hamlet to murder?

Answer 4

‘Almost as bad as kill a king and marry with his brother’ - expresses a lack of guilt

Question 5

Audience reaction to crime?

Answer 5

Before Hamlet’s reaction audience would say although Hamlet acts without thought and while it is still villainous it is not condemned as premediated murder

Question 6

What does the murder highlight about revenge?

Answer 6

It is destructive- when Hamlet finally looks to seek revenge it is disastrous

Question 7

Turning point in scene?

Answer 7

Almost views herself as a criminal - sees the errors in her ways- associate to Claudius or victim of Claudius
‘black and grained spots’

Question 8

Impact of ghost in this scene?

Answer 8

Ghost = can only be seen by Hamlet- is he truly mad

Ghost suggests that mother should be left alone- links to ‘Let her to heaven’ - more a victim than villain

Question 9

Why do we criticise Hamlet for murder?

Answer 9

Callous reaction after and in upcoming scenes
‘Is now most still, most secret and most grave’
‘The body is with the king but the king is not with the body’
‘Not where it eats but where it is eaten- jokes about murder- no remorse/guilt- villainous