Hamlet

1. Hamlet Act IV

2. Scene 1 Gertrude describes Hamlet’s madness and death of Polonius to Claudius Sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find the body They find Hamlet who has just “stowed” the corpse and is angry at their attempts to question him

3. Scene 2 Brought before Claudius Hamlet maintain antic manner and discusses universality of death and meaninglessness of social rank (worms).

4. Scene 3 The king dispatches Hamlet to England Also sends letters to the English king ordering Hamlet’s execution

5. Scene 4 Hamlet encounters Fortinbras and his army Moving towards Poland in order to battle over a worthless plot Hamlet is astonished that so many are willing to risk life over so little In this soliloquy he contrasts his own inability to kill Claudius with the senseless bravery of all the troops Greatness lies in the capacity to care deeply over even trifles when honor is at stake. Rededicates himself to “bloody” thoughts

6. Scene 5 Ophelia going mad with grief Wanders in and out of the scene sings snatches of ballads and speaking nonsense Laertes returns from France and gathers a mob in attempt to avenge his father’s death Storms the castle and Claudius is able to calm him Laertes is able to do exactly what Hamlet has proven himself incapable of Both Fortinbras and Laertes serve as foils to Hamlet

7. Scene 6 Letter from Hamlet to Horatio Ship bound for England was attacked by pirates and Hamlet was captured They bring him back to his native soil Claudius also receives a letter from Hamlet

8. Scene 7 The king explains that Hamlet was to important to his mother and too popular to be prosecuted for Polonius’s murder Laertes wishes to kill Hamlet at once but Claudius convinces him to use his excellent swordsmanship to his advantage Can kill him without a public disturbance The rapier as well as a cup of wine will be poisoned Gertrude enters and tells them that Ophelia has accidentally drowned herself