Act IV, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis
Act IV, Scene 2:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet just after he has disposed of Polonius's body. When they ask where the body is, Hamlet refuses to tell them. Hamlet accuses Rosencrantz of being “a sponge” who soaks up the king’s favor, power, and rewards. He also warns that when the king needs the information Rosencrantz has gleaned, he will squeeze it out of him. Rosencrantz doesn’t understand what Hamlet is saying, and he insists that Hamlet must tell them where Polonius’s body is and then accompany them to the king. Ignoring the first request, Hamlet instructs them to bring him to Claudius.
Analysis
True to her word to Hamlet, Gertrude is at great pains to assure Claudius that Hamlet’s madness is genuine. She even stretches the truth by saying Hamlet “weeps for what is done”—Hamlet repents but says “heaven hath pleased it so, . . . That I must be their scourge and minister.”
Claudius is at equally great pains to convince Gertrude that he is acting in Hamlet’s best interest in shipping him off to England. Claudius plans to manipulate the public disclosure of information to his best advantage. Similarly he will attempt to manipulate England’s allegiance in arranging Hamlet’s murder (Scene 3), and to manipulate Laertes’ anger by excusing his own inaction out of love for Gertrude and public sentiment for Hamlet (Scene 7).
Expert Q&A
What does Hamlet mean in Act 4, Scene 2 when he says, "I am glad of it: a knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear"?
In Act 4, Scene 2, Hamlet tells Rosencrantz, "I am glad of it: a knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear," meaning he is pleased that Rosencrantz cannot understand his sly words, implying that only fools fail to grasp cunning language. This is an insult, as Hamlet knows Rosencrantz is working for Claudius. Hamlet's comment underscores his disdain for Rosencrantz's lack of intelligence and loyalty. Eventually, Hamlet agrees to tell Claudius where Polonius's body is hidden.
What is the significance of the quote from Act 4, Scene 2 of the play and what element does it portray?
"Ay, sir, that soaks up the king’s countenance, his rewards, his authorities. But such officers do the king best service in the end. He keeps them, like an ape, in the corner of his jaw, first mouthed to be last swallowed. When he needs what you have gleaned, it is but squeezing you and, sponge, you shall be dry again."
The quote from Act 4, Scene 2 of the play signifies Hamlet's perception of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as mere tools of King Claudius. Hamlet warns that the king uses them to gather information and will discard them when they are no longer useful. This foreshadows their eventual demise, orchestrated by Hamlet. The quote contains a simile comparing Claudius to an ape and a metaphor likening Rosencrantz to a sponge.
Analysis of Hamlet's exchange with Rosencrantz and the language and imagery used in Act 4, Scene 2
In Act 4, Scene 2 of Hamlet, Hamlet's exchange with Rosencrantz is marked by sharp wit and sarcasm. Hamlet uses animal imagery, calling Rosencrantz a "sponge" to imply he soaks up the king's favors and will be discarded when no longer useful. The language conveys Hamlet's disdain and highlights his growing mistrust and sense of betrayal.
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