Hamlet

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read 4.7 of Hamlet while following the study guide questions.

Activities:

• A. Use the following questions (and answers) to facilitate a discussion of 4.7 of Hamlet.

  Act IV, Scene vii

  • 1. What reasons does Claudius offer Laertes to explain his failure to prosecute Hamlet for Polonius’s death? How does his tone help to convince Laertes?

    First, Claudius knows that Gertrude loves Hamlet, and because he loves Gertrude, he cannot take a direct action against Hamlet that would shake her love for him.

    Second, Claudius recognizes the powerful component of public opinion which much favors Prince Hamlet.

    The tone of Claudius’s speech evokes sympathy: we have both lost someone we loved. By commiserating with Laertes, Claudius pulls the young man into his scheme.

  • 2. How do you explain Laertes’ acceptance of the plot to kill Hamlet? To which of Laertes’ personal traits does Claudius appeal?

    Laertes came wanting to take the life of the man who had taken his father’s. When he learned by gossip that Hamlet was suspected, he turned his will to revenge upon Hamlet. When Claudius admits Hamlet’s act, Laertes is fully directed. Indeed, he agrees to be led by Claudius so long as Claudius not command reconciliation [59 - 60] and so long as he may be the agent [68 - 70].

  • 3. What is the tone of Claudius’ speech following Gertrude’s account of Ophelia’s death?

    Claudius’s tone is one of deep concern - for himself. He is concerned about how difficult it will be for him to control Laertes’ rage again [191 - 194].

Assignment for next class meeting: Read 5.1 of Hamlet. Do the corresponding study questions.