Act 4 Scene 1 Flashcards
Gertrude and Claudius talk after the chamber scene and decide what to do
How does Gertrude describe Hamlet’s state of mind following the closet scene? What is this supposed to show?
“Mad as the sea and the wind when both contend which is mightier” - Hamlet killed Polonius in extreme insanity.
What is Claudius worried about with Hamlet being around?
“His liberty is full of threats to all” - he believes that Hamlet is a menace to society.
What is Claudius afraid of after Polonius’ death?
“Alas, how shall this bloody deed be answered? It will be laid to us” - he is scared that he will have to take the blame for the murder.
How does Claudius describe Hamlet?
“This mad young man”
How does Gertrude lie to Claudius about Hamlet and the murder of Polonius?
“‘a weeps for what is done” - claims Hamlet is remorseful for the murdering of Polonius.
How does Claudius claim they should react to this situation? What 2 things do they say they must do?
“But we will ship him hence, and this vile deed we must with all our majesty and skill, both countenance and excuse” - they are going to send Hamlet away (to England as we later find out) and any blame or speculation, they will acknowledge and deny deny deny.
What does Claudius tell Gertrude he hopes will happen?
“so haply slander… transports his poisoned shot, may miss our name, and hit the woundless air.” - he hopes that they won’t be blamed for anything
How does Claudius feel about the whole situation?
“O come away, My soul is full of discord and dismay”
What does Claudius tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to do?
“Go seek him out, speak fair, and bring the body into the chapel”
