ACT+4+-+1-3

KEIVAN + STEVEN + MAHAD

__Act 4 scene 1__

After confronting Hamlet, Gertrude, terrified, hurries to Claudius to tell him what just happened. Claudius is talking to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Gertrude asks the King to speak privately with him, Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to leave. Once the two exit Gertrude tells Claudius about her encounter with Hamlet. She tells him how he killed Polonius and that it was due to his madness. Shocked Claudius realizes that if had been spying with Polonius he would have died as well. Thinking out loud the king wonders how he could deal with Hamlet without risking the loss of his spot as King. He decides to get Hamlet to go to England and dispose of him there. So he tells Gertrude that they have to explain hamlets crime to the people and court, and to dispose of him in England. He sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern after Hamlet to bring him.

__ Act 4 scene 2 __

Now in Elsinore, Hamlet just finished hiding Polonius’s corpse. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter and ask Hamlet what he has done with Polonius’s body. Hamlet doesn’t give a straight answer and questions them instead of being Claudius’s spies. After he accuses them Hamlet insults Rosencrantz calling him a sponge. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz tell him the King is waiting for him. Hamlet lets the two escort him to the king.

__ Study Questions __


 * 1) What do is learned about Claudius’s character in Act 4 scene 1?
 * 2) What does Claudius plan to do with Hamlet after he learns he killed Polonius?
 * 3) What do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern question Hamlet about in scene 2?
 * 4) Where does Hamlet hide Polonius’s body?
 * 5) What are the secret orders Claudius gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in scene 3?

__Act 4 scene 3__

Hamlet, who is brought to Cladius by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, is asked to reveal where Polonius's body is. Hamlet at first gives an indirect answer but eventually reveals that the body is hidden under the stairs around the lobby. King Cladius then tells Hamlet to go to England for his own safety and Hamlet agrees to do so. As soon as Hamlet leaves the room, Cladius gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern a letter and orders them to follow Hamlet. The letter asks king of England to kill Hamlet.

__Study questions__

1. Why did Hamlet decide to tell Cladius where the dead body of Polonius is? 2. What's the real reason Cladius wants to send Hamlet to England? 3. Why doesn't Cladius kill Hamlet himself? 4. Why did Hamlet agree to go to England? 5. What important role do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern play in this scene?

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