Hamlet Act IV Discussion Questions

“Hamlet” Act IV Discussion Questions

IV, i: In the wake of Polonius’s death, what does Gertrude reveal and what does she obscure from Claudius?

IV, ii: Evaluate Hamlet’s current relationship with Rosencrantz & Guildenstern.

IV, iii: Where’s Polonius’s corpse? Why does this bother Claudius?

IV, vi: How does Fortinbras inspire Hamlet to action? How does Hamlet use the international, external conflict to justify revenge?

IV, v: – How has Ophelia changed from her initial characterization, and what was the catalyst? (*there are three possibilities for what has spurred her decline) – Compare and contrast the plight of Laertes’ revenge to that of Hamlet. – Discuss the significance of flower imagery in this scene.

IV, vi: What does the letter reveal? How does it advance the plot?

IV, vii: Analyze the alliance between Claudius and Laertes that evolves in this scene. – What is their plan? – What is their backup plan? – What is their backup backup plan? – Predict the effectiveness of each.