Act IV, Scene 4 Summary and Analysis
Act IV, Scene 4:
Nearby, Fortinbras sends his Captain to Elsinore Castle to ensure safe passage through Denmark for his troops. Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern encounter the Captain as they leave the castle for their ship. When Hamlet asks what Fortinbras is trying to accomplish with his army, the Captain replies that Fortinbras is going to war over a worthless piece of Polish land. Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to ride ahead. Once he’s alone, he reflects that events seem to be conspiring to speed up his revenge. Remarking that a man whose only purpose in life is to sleep and eat is nothing but an animal, Hamlet wonders why he still has not taken action against Claudius. Contrasting himself with young Fortinbras, Hamlet notes that Fortinbras is willing to bravely risk everything for a meaningless cause, while Hamlet cannot even bring himself to take revenge on his murdering, incestuous uncle. Taking inspiration from Fortinbras’s boldness, Hamlet vows that his thoughts from this point onward will be worth nothing if they are not bloody.
Analysis
Hamlet’s soliloquy in scene 4 echoes the earlier speech he gave after watching the player perform in act II. Faced with another’s conviction and determination, Hamlet is once again forced to confront his own hesitancy and inaction. Young Fortinbras acts as a foil to Hamlet.
Like Hamlet, Fortinbras has suffered the loss of a greatly admired father and now lives under the control of his uncle, the new king. Both Fortinbras and Hamlet have the capacity for great passion; yet unlike Hamlet, Fortinbras is a man of action. Indeed, at the very outset of the play, Fortinbras is attempting to avenge his father by reclaiming some of Denmark’s lands. The hotheaded Fortinbras does not even hesitate long enough to notify his king about his plan—a direct contrast to Hamlet’s seemingly endless contemplation. Though they differ in temperament, Hamlet’s respect for Fortinbras’s actions is notable.
As the Captain explains, Fortinbras is going to war over a totally worthless piece of land that will likely only be conquered after a great loss of life. Hamlet’s admiration of Fortinbras’s pursuit of a goal—regardless of the collateral damage or the worthiness of the goal itself—suggests that Hamlet cares little for those who are hurt in his quest for revenge. Indeed, Hamlet’s ominous vow that his thoughts moving forward will be “bloody or nothing worth” foreshadows the casualties of his revenge that are yet to come.
Expert Q&A
In Hamlet's Act 4, Scene 4, what does "To all that fortune, death, and danger dare, Even for an eggshell..." mean?
In Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet, the phrase "To all that fortune, death, and danger dare, Even for an eggshell" reflects Hamlet's contemplation on the futility of war over trivial matters. He observes that armies are willing to risk lives for insignificant gains, driven by honor rather than necessity. This realization prompts Hamlet to focus his own resolve on avenging his father's murder, acknowledging that his cause holds true significance.
What effect does Fortinbras's captain's conversation have on Hamlet in Act 4, Scene 4? Why does Hamlet admire Fortinbras?
In his soliloquy at the end of act 4, scene 4, Hamlet compares himself to the young Norwegian prince, Fortinbras, which is Shakespeare's intent in this scene as a whole. Hamlet admires Fortinbras because he acts decisively, whereas Hamlet berates himself for doing nothing to take his revenge against Claudius. Inspired by Fortinbras, however, Hamlet renews his vow to avenge his father's murder.
What emotions and realizations does Hamlet experience during his soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4?
What is the significance and portrayed element of Hamlet's quote "Oh, from this time forth, My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" in Act 4, Scene 4?
In Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet, the quote "Oh, from this time forth, My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" signifies Hamlet's resolve to take decisive action against Claudius. Inspired by Fortinbras's willingness to fight for a trivial cause, Hamlet feels compelled to avenge his father's death. This moment marks a shift in Hamlet's character, as he vows to focus on vengeance, leading to more decisive actions later in the play.
Analyze the "How all occasions" passage from Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet for literary terms.
The "How all occasions" passage in Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet highlights Hamlet's internal conflict and resolve. Key literary devices include metaphor, as Hamlet compares his inaction to a dull knife, and alliteration, emphasizing Fortinbras's courage. Hamlet uses rhetorical questions and hyperbole to express frustration over his passivity and admiration for Fortinbras's determination. The passage culminates in a metaphor where Hamlet vows his thoughts will be "bloody," symbolizing his commitment to avenging his father's murder.
Analysis of Hamlet's Soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4
In Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Hamlet's soliloquy reveals his frustration with his own inaction in avenging his father's death. Observing Fortinbras's army willing to fight for a worthless piece of land, Hamlet contrasts Fortinbras's determination with his own hesitation. He reflects on the purpose of human reason and feels ashamed for not using it to act against Claudius. Hamlet resolves to adopt a more decisive and bloody mindset, intent on finally fulfilling his revenge.
Do Hamlet and Fortinbras meet in Act 4, Scene 4? Why is this significant?
Hamlet and Fortinbras do not meet in Act 4, Scene 4. Instead, Hamlet encounters Fortinbras's captain, who is seeking passage through Denmark. This meeting is significant because it inspires Hamlet to take decisive action. Fortinbras's willingness to fight for a seemingly worthless piece of land contrasts with Hamlet's indecision about avenging his father's death, highlighting Fortinbras as a foil to Hamlet. This interaction spurs Hamlet to resolve that his future thoughts will be bloody or worthless.
The impact of Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4 on the Elizabethan audience
Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4 likely had a profound impact on the Elizabethan audience by highlighting themes of existential struggle and the human condition. It reflects Hamlet's internal conflict and contemplation of action versus inaction, resonating with the audience's own experiences and societal values of honor, duty, and the complexities of human nature.
How does Hamlet's last soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4 influence the audience's social, cultural or economic values?
Hamlet's last soliloquy in Act 4, Scene 4 influences the audience by challenging social and cultural values that glorify revenge and honor-based violence. Hamlet criticizes his own inaction compared to Fortinbras, who is willing to sacrifice lives for trivial gains. This reflects a critique of the societal norm that equates greatness with violent retaliation and the economic value placed on honor over human lives. Shakespeare uses Hamlet to question the rush to revenge prevalent in his time.
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