Tragic Hamlet, Act 4

Polonius’ death in the previous Act seems to fuel the rest of the play. It causes Ophelia’s madness and eventual death, Laertes anger and thoughts of revenge and Claudius’ eventual decision to send Hamlet away to be killed.

We witness in Act 4, the beginning of the end. Hamlet’s state of mind is still questionable as he attempts to hide Polonius’ body, although his character does seem to develop in scene 4 where he witnesses Fortinbras’ army, here there seems to be some realisation that he has been a coward

“one part wisdom and ever three parts coward”

and must fulfill his duty to his father and kill Claudius.

“My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth”

During scene 5 the effect of Polonius’ death on Ophelia becomes apparent and her madness certainly eclipses Hamlets which is another supporting argument that Hamlet has been faking it.

The tragic elements of this act come into scene 5 and also scene 7. All because of the reappearance of Laertes, his anger and pain reflects in the language he uses

“To hell allegiance, vows to the blackest devil, conscience and grace to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation.”

And Claudius and Gertrude, although they are not our tragic heroes still have the urgency to assign blame. Gertrude has urgency and Claudius assigns the blame, he makes sure that Laertes knows who the real guilty party is and makes it seem like Hamlet was intent on killing Polonius rather than it just being a passionate act.

During scene 7 Claudius and Laertes begin to plot Hamlet’s downfall. This could be portrayed in more than one way; they could be plotting together or Claudius could be convincing Laertes, persuading him that it is his duty to his father. As they bring their plot to a finish. Gertrude brings news of Ophelia’s Death, provoking a tragic wail from Laertes and concluding the act.