HAMLET ACT 3, 4 & 5

Contextuals
Summary
Analysis
Scene 3 – Claudius’s Soliloquy and Hamlet’s Missed Opportunity
Summary:
Claudius, shaken by the play, attempts to pray: “O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven” (line
36). He confesses to murdering his brother but cannot repent sincerely because he still enjoys
the rewards of his crime (the crown and the queen). Hamlet enters and sees Claudius kneeling.
He considers killing him but decides not to, reasoning that if he kills Claudius while praying,
Claudius will go to heaven.
•Claudius’s Inner Conflict: In his soliloquy, Claudius shows genuine guilt: “My stronger guilt
defeats my strong intent” (line 40). This moment is significant because it reveals that he is
morally aware of his sin, but too weak/proud to renounce the benefits.
•Religious Beliefs and Hamlet’s Hesitation: Hamlet's reason for sparing Claudius – “this is hire
and salary, not revenge” (line 79) – is based on the belief that killing him during prayer will
reward him with heaven. This moment reveals Hamlet’s obsession with justice and the
afterlife, but also his tendency to overthink.
•Irony and Missed Timing: The audience knows Claudius isn’t truly praying, as he admits:
“Words without thoughts never to heaven go” (line 98). Thus, Hamlet’s choice not to kill him is
tragically misinformed = example of dramatic irony.
Scene 4 – The Closet Scene: Hamlet Confronts Gertrude, Kills Polonius
Summary:
Hamlet confronts Gertrude in her chambers, accusing her of betraying his
father. Polonius, hiding behind an arras, makes a noise. Hamlet, thinking it is
Claudius, stabs and kills him. The Ghost appears and reminds Hamlet to focus
on avenging his father, not harming Gertrude. Gertrude, unable to see the
Ghost, becomes convinced Hamlet is mad.
•Hamlet’s First Action: The killing of Polonius is sudden and rash: “Thou
wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell!” (line 31). It marks Hamlet’s first
violent act, showing a shift from contemplation to impulsiveness—but
tragically misdirected.
•Moral Confrontation: Hamlet reprimands Gertrude: “You go not till I set you up a
glass / Where you may see the inmost part of you” (lines 20–21). The mirror
metaphor shows Hamlet’s desire to make Gertrude see her moral corruption.
•The Ghost’s Role: The Ghost reappears to refocus Hamlet: “Do not forget. This
visitation / Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose” (lines 110–111). The Ghost
urges him not to harm his mother, reinforcing the idea that revenge must be
righteous, not vengeful.
•Gertrude’s Perception of Madness: She says, “Alas, he’s mad!” (line 105) after
Hamlet speaks to the Ghost, which she cannot see. This adds to the ambiguity of
Hamlet’s mental state—is he mad or acting mad? The audience, however, sees the
Ghost, validating Hamlet’s experience.
•Theme of Corruption: The references to “rank sweat of an enseamèd bed” (line
92) and “a king of shreds and patches” (line 106) show Hamlet’s disgust with
Gertrude’s physical relationship with Claudius, tying back to the theme of moral
and sexual corruption.
ACT 4 Scene 1 – Gertrude Tells Claudius about Polonius’s Death
Summary:
Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius. Claudius is alarmed and worried about
public opinion. He decides to send Hamlet to England at once and asks Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to find Hamlet and retrieve the body.
•Political Concern vs Moral Concern: Claudius’s first concern is not Polonius’s death but the
danger Hamlet poses to him and the state: “It had been so with us had we been there” (line 14).
This shows his self-preservation and obsession with power.
•Theme of Secrecy and Image: Claudius says, “His liberty is full of threats to all,” revealing his
fear that Hamlet might expose his crime or become a political liability. He also worries about
public perception, saying “Yet must not we put the strong law on him” because the people love
Hamlet.
•Gertrude’s Loyalty Shifts: Gertrude covers for Hamlet by telling Claudius that he’s mad—"Mad
as the sea and wind”—which suggests a shift in allegiance, or at least some motherly protection.
Scene 2 – Hamlet Hides the Body
Summary:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern confront Hamlet about the location of Polonius’s
body. Hamlet mocks them and refuses to give a straight answer, using riddles and
dark humour.
•Hamlet’s Wordplay and Disrespect: Hamlet insults the courtiers by calling
Rosencrantz a “sponge” (line 11), implying he soaks up the king’s orders and will be
squeezed dry when no longer useful. This illustrates Hamlet’s disdain for puppets
and his growing cynicism.
•Theme of Decay and Death: His joke about worms eating the dead—“Your worm
is your only emperor for diet”—reflects the Elizabethan preoccupation with the
physical reality of death. Hamlet confronts death with morbid irony.
•Subtle Rebellion: Hamlet’s refusal to cooperate is a form of resistance. He uses
language as a weapon, asserting mental superiority over the king’s spies.
Scene 3 – Claudius Sends Hamlet to England
Summary:
Claudius questions Hamlet about the body. Hamlet again mocks him but eventually
reveals that Polonius is under the stairs. Claudius announces that Hamlet will be
sent to England. In a private aside, he reveals he has arranged for Hamlet to be
executed there.
•Power and Manipulation: Claudius masks his murder plot under diplomatic
words. “The present death of Hamlet” is hidden behind political action. This
highlights his ruthlessness and deception.
•Public vs Private Face: In public, Claudius pretends to act out of concern:
“Diseases desperate grown / By desperate appliance are relieved.” Privately, he
admits: “Do it, England”—a chilling command to kill Hamlet. This contrast shows
the duality of his character.
•Foreshadowing: Claudius’s plan to have Hamlet executed foreshadows the
escalation of violence and his complete moral descent.
GERTRUDE:
Mad as the sea and wind when both contend
Which is the mightier: in his lawless fit,
Behind the arras hearing something stir,
Whips out his rapier, cries ‘A rat, a rat!’
And in this brainish apprehension kills
The unseen good old man.
1. Place this extract in context. (3)
2. Refer to lines 1–2: “Mad as the sea and wind when both contend / Which is the
mightier.”
2.1 Identify the figure of speech used.
2.2 Explain how this image contributes to the impression of Hamlet's mental state.(3)
3. What does Gertrude reveal about Hamlet’s actions in this extract, and how does she
justify them?(2)
4. Explain the irony in Gertrude referring to Polonius as “the unseen good old man.”(3)
5. In your view, is Claudius more concerned about Gertrude’s safety or his own?
Support your answer with reference to the play as a whole.(3)
6. Discuss how this scene contributes to the theme of appearance versus reality in the
play.(4)
1. Place this extract in context. What has just happened before this scene?
Before this scene, Hamlet has confronted his mother, Queen Gertrude, in her chamber.
During their heated conversation, Polonius, who is hiding behind the arras (curtain), makes a
noise. Hamlet, believing it to be Claudius spying on them, impulsively stabs through the
curtain and kills Polonius.(3)
2. Refer to lines 1–2: “Mad as the sea and wind when both contend / Which is the
mightier.”
2.1 Identify the figure of speech used.
A simile is used.(1)
2.2 Explain how this image contributes to the impression of Hamlet's mental state.
The comparison of Hamlet’s madness to a violent storm (sea and wind in conflict)
emphasises the uncontrollable and destructive nature of his emotions. It shows he is in a
state of extreme turmoil and unpredictable behaviour.(2)
3. What does Gertrude reveal about Hamlet’s actions in this extract, and how does she
justify them?
Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet killed Polonius in a fit of madness, thinking there was a
spy behind the curtain. She implies that Hamlet’s madness, rather than malice, led to the
murder.(2)
4. Explain the irony in Gertrude referring to Polonius as “the unseen good old man.”
It is ironic because Polonius was a schemer who often spied on others, including Hamlet, and
his presence behind the curtain was intrusive. Although Gertrude calls him “good,” he was
not entirely innocent, and his death results from his own deceitful actions.(3)
5. In your view, is Claudius more concerned about Gertrude’s safety or his own? Support
your answer with reference to the play as a whole.
Claudius appears more concerned about his own safety. Throughout the play, he views
Hamlet as a threat to his throne and life, especially after learning Hamlet killed someone
thinking it was him. He quickly plots to send Hamlet to England to be executed, which shows
self-preservation is his primary concern.(3)
6. Discuss how this scene contributes to the theme of appearance versus reality in the play.
This scene deepens the theme of appearance versus reality. Gertrude believes Hamlet is
mad, but the audience knows Hamlet is only feigning madness. Polonius appears to be loyal
and wise, but his spying leads to his death. Claudius presents himself as a concerned
stepfather, yet he is plotting Hamlet’s murder. The contrast between what characters appear
to be and what they truly are drives the tragedy forward.(4)
HAMLET:
The body is with the King, but the King is not with the body. The King is a thing —
GUILDENSTERN:
A thing, my lord?
HAMLET:
Of nothing. Bring me to him. Hide fox, and all after!

1.Place this extract in context. (3)

2.Refer to lines 1–2: “The body is with the King, but the King is not with the body.”
2.1 What makes this line ambiguous? (2)
2.2 What does this line reveal about Hamlet’s view of Claudius? (2)
3.Refer to line 3: “The King is a thing — of nothing.”
3.1 Discuss the meaning of Hamlet’s statement. (3)
4.What is the significance of Hamlet’s statement, “Hide fox, and all after!” in the context of this
scene? (2)
5.How does Hamlet’s behaviour in this scene reflect his attitude towards Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern? (2)
6.This scene continues to explore a major theme in the play. Identify and briefly discuss this
theme. (2)
Act 4 scene 7
 King Claudius
•Manipulative and Cunning: Claudius's behaviour is marked by manipulation and
cunning. He calmly uses Laertes’s grief over his sister’s death as an opportunity
to plot against Hamlet. He plays on Laertes's emotions to further his own agenda,
showing his ability to use others for his own benefit.
•Desperate and Self-Preserving: Claudius is deeply invested in maintaining his
power. He realizes that Hamlet’s return to Denmark complicates his plan to keep
the throne, so he sets up an elaborate scheme to have Hamlet killed. His
poisoned sword and drink show his extreme measures to ensure Hamlet's
demise.
•Fearful and Paranoid: Claudius's reluctance to act against Hamlet directly is
driven by his fear of Hamlet’s popularity with the public and his mother’s
affection for him. He avoids direct confrontation with Hamlet, preferring more
underhanded tactics.
 Laertes
•Grief-Stricken and Vengeful: Laertes is consumed with grief and rage
after hearing about Ophelia's death. His sorrow quickly turns into a
desire for revenge against Hamlet, whom he holds responsible for his
sister’s fate. Laertes is impulsive and emotional, contrasting with
Hamlet’s more thoughtful, delayed approach to vengeance.
•Manipulable and Naive: While his desire for revenge is understandable,
Laertes is easily manipulated by Claudius, who exploits his grief. This
shows his lack of foresight and susceptibility to others’ influence.
•Action-Oriented: Laertes contrasts with Hamlet in his willingness to
take action quickly. Where Hamlet hesitated, Laertes jumps into plotting
Hamlet’s death without hesitation.
 Queen Gertrude
•Emotionally Distraught: Gertrude is deeply upset over Ophelia’s death,
and her reaction shows a more maternal and emotional side of her
character. She genuinely feels for her daughter’s tragic end, but her
ability to act on this sorrow is limited by her position.
•Helpless and Passive: Gertrude’s role in this scene is more passive. She
provides the tragic news about Ophelia’s death, but she does not
actively participate in the plot to kill Hamlet. She’s caught in the middle
of the political scheming, a figure who is largely controlled by Claudius,
and her emotions reflect the larger disarray in Denmark.
Character development
Before vs now.
Critically discuss to what
extent Hamlet is both a
victim and a villain.
VICTIM:
Initially Hamlet is presented as a normal young man who is mourning the death of his father and distraught because of
his mother’s hasty marriage to his uncle. He is well educated and presented as a logical and rational man.
He is sceptical of the ghost’s orders. He questions the validity of the ghost’s claims, for fear it may be the devil trying to
influence him towards revenge and aggression. The seeds of revenge that are planted fester in his mind.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betray him as friends. He realises that there are very few people whom he can trust.
Life becomes so meaningless to him that he contemplates suicide. He is the victim of overwhelming and confusing
circumstances.
He is a victim of Claudius’ attempts to have him killed but when he has an opportunity to get rid of this enemy, his
conscience prevents him from doing so.
VILLAIN:
Although Hamlet claims to love his mother, he is very cruel to her and berates her in a malicious manner.
Hamlet does not apologise or show any horror when he stabs Polonius. He rather uses it as an opportunity to criticize
his mother.
Hamlet is even crueller to Ophelia than he is to his mother. Through his merciless insults and the murder of Polonius,
Hamlet causes Ophelia to lose her grip on reality and eventually she commits suicide.
Hamlet sets up the play within the play and puts on an ‘antic disposition’ in an attempt to make sense of his emotional
confusion and to reveal Claudius’ guilt. This shows his self-control against acting rashly.
It could be argued that Hamlet’s death is heroic and he redeems himself by taking on the duties of a crown prince and
bequeathing his country to Fortinbras.
Hamlet changes from a confused and deeply saddened son and crown prince, unable to cope with the dramatic
changes within his close family, to a confident and purposeful young man. He realises that returning to Denmark might
cost him his life. He is determined to face whatever is necessary in order to fulfil his obligation to his father. His
villainous behaviour stems from his deep sense of justice rather than being evil.
 Page 148-149
1. Why does Claudius align himself with Laertes at this point in the play? (3)

2. Comment on the significance of Gertrude’s appearance at this stage. (3)

3. Refer to Laertes’ response to his sister’s death in line 28: ‘Drowned? O, where?’

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the actor to
deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and tone. Motivate your
instructions. (3)

4.Show how deception ultimately leads to tragedy by referring to both extracts in your
response. (4)
1 Hamlet has killed Laertes’ father. Laertes is devastated. Claudius uses Laertes’ grief to his
advantage by convincing Laertes to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet is a threat to Claudius
maintaining the throne. He wants Hamlet killed before Hamlet exposes Claudius.
2 Claudius convinced Laertes that he is unable to take action against Hamlet because of the love
that Gertrude has for Hamlet. Gertrude’s appearance at this stage highlights the horror of the
lengths Claudius will go to protect himself and how truly immoral he is. He disregards the effect
Hamlet’s death will have on Gertrude and shows how self- serving he is. Her appearance at this
stage also foreshadows her death from the poisoned cup that is part of Claudius’ plan to kill
Hamlet.
3 His eyes might be large to show his shock at the news. His arms may be outstretched or he
may be slumped over in devastation. His curt response may indicate that he is still processing
the vengeful plan against Hamlet and he is not quite prepared for more sad news. His tone might
be bitter, grave or shocked.
1.NB Remember to refer to both body language and tone, and include a justification.

4 Here Claudius deceives Laertes into believing that Hamlet is his enemy that should be
eliminated. He plots what would appear to be an innocent fencing match which does ultimately
lead to many deaths, including his own.
NB BOTH extracts need to be discussed.
Page 179-180

1.Account for the duel that is being fought between Hamlet and Laertes. (3)
2.Refer to lines 28–29: 'O villainy! Ho! … seek it out.’
If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct
the actor to deliver these lines? Pay specific attention to body language and
tone. Motivate your instructions. (3)
3.Refer to line 41: 'Treason! treason!’
Discuss the irony in these words. (3)
4.Despite the manner in which Hamlet seeks revenge, his honour is
restored at the end of the play.
Do you agree with this statement? Justify your response. (4)
1. Laertes challenges Hamlet to a duel to avenge the death of his father, Polonius, at Hamlet's hands. The
duel is part of the treacherous plot that Claudius and Laertes have conceived to kill Hamlet. Claudius
has convinced Laertes that killing Hamlet will prove his love for his father.
2. Hamlet might glare at Claudius and then point his sword/raise his hands/arms authoritatively/point at the
doors/turn to the guards as he orders the doors to be locked. His tone might be outraged/furious in
reaction to hearing about Claudius's perfidy. Then his tone might become commanding/forceful as he
orders the guards to ensure that Claudius does not escape.
3. The cry is in response to Hamlet's stabbing of the king. The court regards Claudius as the rightful king
of Denmark and thus perceive Hamlet's actions as treasonous. However, they are completely unaware
of Claudius's treachery as he is the one who murdered King Hamlet and usurped his throne./Hamlet's
actions are not treasonous as he is the rightful heir to the throne and he is restoring order to Denmark.
4. AGREE After the pirates assist him in returning to Denmark, Hamlet is filled with newfound confidence
and no longer procrastinates. Hamlet's apology to Laertes for any wrong he has done to him is sincere
and he is prepared to accept the outcome of the duel. Hamlet is calm and focused, prepared to affirm
himself and fulfil his duty. Hamlet believes that his killing of Claudius is justified as he is convinced that
Claudius deserves to be punished. Knowing his death is imminent, Hamlet requests Horatio to reveal
the truth so that his vengeful actions can be viewed as noble. It is honourable that Hamlet's dying wish
is to restore the reputation of Denmark by naming Fortinbras as his successor. OR DISAGREE
Although Hamlet is motivated by a noble desire to avenge his father's death, the means by which he
achieves his revenge compromises his honour. He resorts to deception and underhandedness in his
need to uncover the truth.