What is the summary of Act 4 in Hamlet?
Gertrude informs Claudius of Polonius’s death and Claudius realises that it could have been him if he had been there (L13). Claudius is more fearful that he will be blamed for Hamlets actions rather than showing emotion at the death of Polonius (L16-18).
What happened to Ophelia in Hamlet Act 4 Scene 5?
After Horatio leaves, Claudius tells Gertrude that Ophelia has fallen victim to the “poison of deep grief” in the wake of her father’s death and Hamlet’s departure for England. Grief is seen as a “poison” in Denmark.
What happens at the end of Act 4 of Hamlet?
He has killed Polonius just as Claudius killed Hamlet’s father, the only differences being that Hamlet’s murder was not premeditated and was not committed out of jealousy or ambition. Hamlet also eases his conscience with the fact that Polonius was dishonestly spying on Hamlet at the moment when he was killed.
Who dies in Act 4 Hamlet?
Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 7. Claudius confirms that Hamlet killed Polonius, though seeking to take Claudius’ life.
What happened in Act 4 Scene 3 of Hamlet?
Summary: Act IV, scene iii Finally, Hamlet reveals that Polonius’s body is under the stairs near the castle lobby, and the king dispatches his attendants to look there. The king tells Hamlet that he must leave at once for England, and Hamlet enthusiastically agrees.
Who was killed in Act 5 Hamlet?
Claudius
In the final scene, the violence, so long delayed, erupts with dizzying speed. Characters drop one after the other, poisoned, stabbed, and, in the case of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, executed, as the theme of revenge and justice reaches its conclusion in the moment when Hamlet finally kills Claudius.
What do Ophelia’s songs mean in Act 4 Scene 5?
Just then, Ophelia enters, acting utterly insane. She sings songs about death, love, and flowers. Gertrude can make neither heads nor tails of what she’s saying, but Ophelia’s songs hint at Hamlet’s betrayal and her father’s death. After she leaves, Laertes returns, demanding to know where his father is.
What caused Ophelia’s madness?
Why does Ophelia go mad? Ophelia goes mad because her father, Polonius, whom she deeply loved, has been killed by Hamlet. In addition, Hamlet, whom she also loved, has cruelly rejected her.
What happened to Hamlet in Act 4 Scene 6?
Summary: Act IV, scene vi In the letter, Hamlet says that his ship was captured by pirates, who have returned him to Denmark. He asks Horatio to escort the sailors to the king and queen, for they have messages for them as well. He also says that he has much to tell of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
What happened in Hamlet Act 4 Scene 4?
Summary: Act IV, scene iv On a nearby plain in Denmark, young Prince Fortinbras marches at the head of his army, traveling through Denmark on the way to attack Poland. Fortinbras orders his captain to go and ask the King of Denmark for permission to travel through his lands.
What happened in Act 5 Scene 2 of Hamlet?
When Claudius offers Hamlet the poisoned goblet of wine, Hamlet refuses, and Gertrude picks up the cup instead. Toasting Hamlet, she drinks the poison, ensuring her eventual death. Meanwhile, Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned blade, and the two continue to scuffle, somehow switching swords in the process.
How should I your true love know in Hamlet IV 5?
Ophelia, in the company of others, sings the words, “How should I your true love know / From another one?/ By his cockle hat and staff / And his sandal shoon” (IV. v. 23-26).
What is the significance of Ophelia’s songs and flowers in Act IV?
Ophelia uses flowers as symbols of her deep sorrow and grief. She is very upset because her father, Polonius, has just been killed by Hamlet. Being a sensitive and intelligent young woman, Ophelia needs to express herself, and she does so by passing out flowers to the court in her seeming mad state of mind.