Act IV, Scene 3 Summary and Analysis

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Act IV, Scene 3:

Claudius enters with some of his lords, explaining that he has sent people to find Hamlet and the body. He says that Hamlet is too dangerous to be allowed to walk freely, but he admits that the situation is complicated by Hamlet’s popularity among the people of Denmark. To keep the situation under control, Claudius reasons that the decision to send Hamlet away cannot appear to be rash. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive with Hamlet, who is under guard. When Claudius demands to know where the body is, Hamlet archly replies that Polonius is “at supper” with the worms.

Hamlet suggests that Claudius may send a messenger to search for Polonius in heaven or go search for him in hell himself. Eventually, Hamlet hints that Polonius’s body is near the castle lobby, and Claudius sends attendants to go search there. Claudius then informs Hamlet that, for his own safety, he will be sent to England immediately. Hamlet agrees and says goodbye. After sending everyone away, Claudius speaks aloud of his hope that England will not disregard the secret orders he is sending with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern—orders that call for Hamlet to be executed immediately upon arrival.

Analysis

Although Claudius is trying desperately to orchestrate the events to Hamlet’s disadvantage, Hamlet remains in control despite his seeming madness. All Claudius and the others can do is react to Hamlet’s inane remarks and puzzling actions. Claudius is struggling both at home and abroad—in England—to rally public opinion and political power into his own camp.

Expert Q&A

How does this quote from act 4, scene 3, reveal Hamlet's character and its significance?

"In heaven: send thither to see: if your messenger find him not there, seek him i' the other place yourself"

This quote from act 4, scene 3, reveals Hamlet's wit, intelligence, and his disdain for Claudius. Hamlet mocks Claudius by suggesting he send a messenger to heaven to find Polonius, implying Claudius himself is destined for hell. This highlights Hamlet's awareness of Claudius's corruption and foreshadows Claudius's eventual downfall. Additionally, it underscores Hamlet's Christian beliefs and his moral and spiritual struggles throughout the play.

In act 4, scene 3, how does Hamlet insult Claudius?

In Act 4, Scene 3, Hamlet insults Claudius by implying he is too corrupt to enter heaven, suggesting he go to hell instead, where he might find Polonius. Hamlet tells Claudius that Polonius is "at supper" being eaten by worms, highlighting the inevitability of death. Additionally, Hamlet calls Claudius "my mother," mocking him by suggesting that man and wife are "one flesh." These insults reflect Hamlet's contempt and his feigned madness.

What does Gertrude mean by "thou hast cleft my heart in twain" in Hamlet, act 4, scene 3, line 156?

Gertrude's line "thou hast cleft my heart in twain" in Hamlet means her heart is metaphorically split in two. This can be interpreted as her being torn between love for her first husband and guilt over her marriage to Claudius. Hamlet forces her to confront her actions and guilt, leading to her emotional devastation and realization of her moral conflict.

How does Hamlet insult the King in act 4, scene 3, lines 26-31?

In Act 4, Scene 3, lines 26-31, Hamlet insults King Claudius by making a dark joke about Polonius' body being "at supper," meaning it is being eaten by worms. Hamlet further implies that a worm could be used to catch a fish, which a man might eat, symbolically consuming the king. This alludes to the idea that even a beggar can metaphorically feast on a king, subtly mocking Claudius and hinting at his awareness of the king's guilt.

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Hamlet, what is the significance of Hamlet's use of "dear mother"?

HAMLET: I see a cherub that sees them. But, come; for England! Farewell, dear mother.

KING CLAUDIUS: Thy loving father, Hamlet.

HAMLET: My mother: father and mother is man and wife; man and wife is one flesh; and so, my mother. Come, for England!

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Hamlet, Hamlet uses "dear mother" satirically to mock King Claudius by referencing the Christian concept of "one flesh" in marriage. By calling Claudius "mother," Hamlet highlights the incestuous nature of Claudius's marriage to his mother, Gertrude, and critiques the royal union. This also serves as a continuation of Hamlet's feigned madness and implies his awareness of Claudius's true intentions to have him killed in England.

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Act IV, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis

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