Act 4 Scene 2 Flashcards
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet and ask him where the body is.
When Rosencrantz asks Hamlet where he has stashed the body, how does he reply?
“Compounded it with dust whereto ‘tis kind” - answers very ambiguously and in riddles. Makes him appear more mad.
How does Hamlet insult Rosencrantz?
“Besides, to be demanded by a sponge…” - he calls him a sponge.
Why does Hamlet say he calls Rosencrantz a sponge?
“that soaks up the King’s countenance, his rewards, his authorities” - essentially calls him superficial and sycophantic.
When Rosencrantz asks for a second time where the body is, where does Hamlet say it is and what does this riddle mean?
“The body is with the king, but the King is not with the body. This king is a thing-“ “of nothing.” - Polonius’ body is in the same building as the King but the King is not dead, he is not in the same state and the body. The king is nothing - he lacks any proper authority to be the King, Claudius is nothing.
How is Hamlet’s last riddle before they go see the king somewhat black comedy?
Because the murder is a very serious thing and he’s taking it very lightly and comedically.
