Act 4 Scene 3 Flashcards
What is King Claudius’s primary concern in Act 4 Scene 3?
King Claudius is primarily concerned about the political implications of Hamlet’s actions and the potential threat he poses.
True or False: Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England in this scene.
True
Who does Claudius send to accompany Hamlet to England?
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Fill in the blank: Claudius fears that Hamlet’s behavior may lead to _______.
chaos or rebellion
What is Claudius’s plan for Hamlet in England?
To have him killed.
What does Claudius refer to when he says ‘I have to be cruel only to be kind’?
He justifies his harsh actions against Hamlet as necessary for the greater good.
What does Claudius mean by ‘the body is with the king, but the king is not with the body’?
He means that while Polonius’s body is physically present, the true essence or authority of the king is not in control.
What is the mood of Claudius in this scene?
Anxious and manipulative.
How does Claudius describe his feelings of guilt in this scene?
He expresses deep remorse and fear of retribution for his crime.
Who does Hamlet accidentally kill in this scene?
Polonius
What does Hamlet call Polonius’s corpse when he discovers it?
A fishmonger.
What theme is highlighted by the events of Act 4 Scene 3?
The theme of madness and its consequences.
What does Claudius plan to tell Gertrude about Hamlet’s fate?
He plans to inform her that Hamlet will be sent away for his safety.
How does Hamlet’s view of death manifest in this scene?
He contemplates the nature of mortality and the afterlife.
What does Hamlet mean when he says, ‘I do not know why yet I live to say this thing’?
He expresses confusion about his own existence and purpose in life.
