Hamlet Summary

Act IV

Gertrude explains to Claudius that she believes Hamlet is truly mad and that as proof, he has killed Polonius and taken away the body. Claudius, after being thankful that he wasn't the one killed, asks where Hamlet went. She cannot tell him, and Claudius tries to comfort her by telling her that they will soon be rid of him, because of his trip. Claudius calls for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. After telling them that Hamlet has killed Polonius, he asks them to go and find Hamlet, get Polonius' body and to put Polonius' body in the chapel.

The scene ends with Claudius informing Gertrude that they must inform the court of what has happened and the reasons why they are sending Hamlet away. He is afraid that if he doesn't present Hamlet as being the only guilty person, people might start to think Claudius had something to do with the murder.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come across Hamlet, who has, by this time, safely hidden Polonius' body. Although Rosencrantz and Guildenstern demand that Hamlet tell them where the body is he refuses. They then tell Hamlet the King wishes to see him; they leave with him.

Claudius informs some of his Lords of his plan to send Hamlet away. He tells them that a dangerous man cannot run loose, and that Hamlet will be given the opportunity to think about his crimes; Hamlet will not be punished. Hamlet, according to Claudius, is trying to protect his secret of killing the old king. If he sends Hamlet away and Hamlet meets with an "accident," then he can maintain his innocence by claiming he previously had the opportunity to have Hamlet killed, but he chose to send him away instead.

When Hamlet is brought before Claudius, he at first doesn't tell the king where the body is. Hamlet waits for his own opportunity to inform the king of Polonius' whereabouts. The king sends some attendants to retrieve the body.

Claudius informs Hamlet that Hamlet must be sent away immediately, because of Polonius' murder. When Hamlet is taken away, and Claudius is left on stage alone, we are told that Claudius is preparing a trap for Hamlet. Claudius is sending a note to the king of England informing him that Hamlet is to be executed immediately after his arrival. Claudius is looking out for his own self-interest.

Fortinbras' army is on the outskirts of Denmark. Fortinbras sends his captain in to tell Claudius how his campaign went.

Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet up with the captain, who informs them the army that they see is Fortinbras'. The Captain discusses the futility of the battle that they fought, where thousands of men died, over a barren patch of land. The captain leaves and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern precede Hamlet to the ship; they are taking Hamlet to England.

Hamlet is left alone on stage. In this soliloquy, he compares his inaction to date with Fortinbras' action. Once again his view of himself is negative. He criticizes himself for the things he has still left unaccomplished.

NOTE: There is a parallel between this soliloquy and the one in Act II, Scene ii. Hamlet is comparing his inadequacies and indecisions with other characters who appear to be more direct and willing to take the initiative, and who have better control over their emotions. The reader is to be reminded of the comparison between The First Player's show of emotion and Hamlet's inability to show that type of emotion. Although Hamlet has many valid reasons to pursue his revenge against Claudius, he has held off. Fortinbras has no real reason to attack Poland, but he will because it provides him with a task which reflects his personality.

Gertrude encounters a "mad" Ophelia in this scene. Unlike Hamlet's feigned madness, Ophelia really is insane. Throughout this scene she sings about death and behaves erratically.

Claudius enters and Ophelia's songs hint at grief regarding her father's death. Claudius is amazed at Ophelia's condition and asks how long she has been like this. When Ophelia leaves, he asks Horatio to follow her and to protect her from doing herself harm.

While Claudius laments all the misfortunes that have befallen Ophelia recently, a noise is heard outside the castle. Laertes comes back to Elsinore after he hears about his father's death. Laertes believes that Claudius had something to do with the death of Polonius.

Although Laertes is upset over the events that have recently occurred and is seeking revenge against Claudius for his father's death, Claudius manages to talk him out wanting to harm him. Claudius uses his courage and cunning to disarm Laertes and convinces him that all Laertes' misfortunes are caused by Hamlet.

Horatio meets with sailors who have messages from Hamlet. They give Horatio a letter which recounts Hamlet's adventures on his sea voyage. It seems that pirates attacked the ship that Hamlet was on and through misadventure, Hamlet was captured and taken prisoner. Everyone else on the ship escaped unharmed and continued on to England. The note also tells Horatio that Hamlet has an incredible story to tell him when he arrives back tomorrow, a story that will make Horatio "dumb."

Claudius convinces Laertes that he is innocent in Laertes' father's death and that Hamlet is to blame.

A messenger enters with Hamlet's letter and Claudius is amazed to find that Hamlet is still alive. Claudius reads the letter to Laertes. Hamlet is writing to inform the King that he has returned to Denmark and that he wishes to meet with Claudius tomorrow.

Claudius, concerned about Hamlet's untimely return, advises Laertes to have a dueling match with Hamlet. In this match, Claudius plans to have Laertes kill Hamlet. They plan to cover the tip of Laertes's sword with poison. Once Hamlet is struck with the sword, he will die. Hamlet's death will end Claudius' worries about anyone finding out about his involvement in his brother's death. To further ensure Hamlet's demise, Claudius intends to present Hamlet, if he scores the first "hit," with a poisoned goblet of wine. This way, Hamlet will be killed even if he wins the match.

The conspirators are interrupted by Gertrude, who informs them that Ophelia is dead. Apparently, the branch that Ophelia was sitting on broke and she fell into a stream. No one was able to save her and she drowned.

NOTE: There is concern over the way Ophelia dies. Was her death accidental, or did she commit suicide? The importance of this issue is discussed during the "grave digging scene" in Act V, Scene i. To commit suicide was a sin against the Church.