Act 4 Quotes Flashcards
IV,3
“Your worm
is your only emperor for diet.”
Hamlet
After Hamlet having seen death from such close proximity it has an undeniable effect on him and makes him more erratic, he realises all humans meet the same end and greatness matters not in death. Perhaps this nihilistic realisation only further fuels his suicidal ideations.
IV,3
“So is it, if thou knew’st our purposes.”
Claudius
This is the closest Claudius and Hamlet even come to a direct word to word confrontation. Claudius basically admits his intentions to kill Hamlet but this is tongue and cheek with himself, an action very similar to Hamlet’s. Claudius is another villainous mirror of Hamlet’s, one consumed by ambition and lust.
IV,4
“To pay five ducats, five, I would not farm it.”
Captain
Its extremely suspicious that Norway is marching through Denmark to Poland (which is not even on the way to Poland for Norway) for land which is essentially worthless. This quote hence, supports the theory that Fortinbras has lied to Claudius and his uncle to capture Denmark.
IV,4
“How all occasions do inform against me,
And spur my dull revenge!…
…Oh, from this time forth,
My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!”
Hamlet
Hamlet’s soliloquy here is much like the one in act 2 scene2, “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I… wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.” He begins by being envious of his foil’s motivations / ambitions, he laments his lack of action and eventually motivates himself to act. But instead of motivating himself to just act on procrastinating he actually motivates himself to avenge. Its also interesting to note that the closer proximity he is to death the more he epiphanies he has on topics of acting, death, honor and so on.
IV,5
“To my sick soul (as sin’s true nature is)”
Gertrude
Perhaps Gertrude was truly infidel to King Hamlet and somewhat complicit in his murder. It is likely that she may be feeling guilty due to Hamlet’s words as well, but infidelity is definitely on the table if we regard her quick marriage.
IV,5
“Lord, we know what we are, but know not what
we may be.”
Ophelia
Ophelia’s foreboding, bone chilling line is a warning to everyone. Especially in context of the last line regarding the baker’s daughter being turned into an owl for refusing Jesus’s request for bread. She tells them judgement day awaits, that they will get what they deserve. Unkindness is what led to the baker’s daughter’s fate and unkindness is one of the main traits the courtroom full of people possess.
She understands she has been led on and manipulated all her life by the men around her, her nothingness speech warns them all for what is to come.
IV,5
“Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!”
Laertes
Very clear indication that Laertes has become Hamlet’s foil here, charged with action, absence of reason, all he sees is vengeance. He does not even care for the consequences. That is what specifically brings out to the audience Hamlet’s stalling nature.
