What happens in Act 4 and 5 of Hamlet?

Summary: Act IV, scene v. Gertrude and Horatio discuss Ophelia. He says that Ophelia’s grief stems from her father’s death, and that the people have been suspicious and disturbed by the death as well: “muddied, Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers For good Polonius’ death” (IV.

What is the significance of Act 4 in Hamlet?

Gertrude informs Claudius of Polonius’s death and Claudius realises that it could have been him if he had been there (L13). Claudius is more fearful that he will be blamed for Hamlets actions rather than showing emotion at the death of Polonius (L16-18).

What is the main theme of Act 4 in Hamlet?

They emphasize Hamlet’s own inaction in regard to his father’s death and seem to convey the idea that no decision, or inaction, is itself a decision. While Hamlet overthinks and deliberates on how best to avenge his father, he does not actually accomplish anything at all.

What happened in Act 4 Scene 6 of Hamlet?

Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 6 Horatio receives letters from a sailor sent by Hamlet. The first letter tells Horatio that pirates beset the ship on which Hamlet was being carried to England. In the ensuing battle, the pirates took Hamlet captive; they treated him well and brought him back to Denmark.

What is Claudius’s plan at the end of Act 4?

Claudius’ plan is to stage a fencing bout between Hamlet and Laertes, in which Laertes’ sword will remain ‘accidentally’ sharp. Laertes loves this plan, and adds that he’ll put some poison on the sword, so that Hamlet will die, even if he’s only scratched.

Is Hamlet really mad in Act 4?

Despite the evidence that Hamlet actually is mad, we also see substantial evidence that he is just pretending. Hamlet tells Horatio and Marcellus that he plans to “put an antic disposition on” (I.v). His “mad” remarks to Polonius—“you are a fishmonger” (II.

What happens in Act 4 and 5 of Hamlet? Summary: Act IV, scene v. Gertrude and Horatio discuss Ophelia. He says that Ophelia’s grief stems from her father’s death, and that the people have been suspicious and disturbed by the death as well: “muddied, Thick and unwholesome in their thoughts and whispers For good Polonius’…