In Act 4, Claudius notes that “sorrows come…in battalions.” By the end of the play these sorrows include the deaths of all the major characters except Horatio. To what degree can Claudius be held responsible for all the sorrows of the play? Which sorrows may be particularly traced to Hamlet?

Consider who killed whom and who plotted with someone else to kill others.

Make three lists. Put Claudius at the top of one; put Laertes at the top of the 2nd; put Hamlet at the top of the 3rd. Under each man's name, list each character you believe he killed or plotted to kill.

Once you have made your lists, look them over and see what you think. These lists should help you figure out how you will answer these questions.

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To determine the degree of responsibility that Claudius holds for the sorrows in the play, it is necessary to consider the different events and actions that lead to the deaths of the major characters.

1. Claudius' Responsibility in Sorrows:
- Claudius is directly responsible for the death of King Hamlet as he poisoned him to obtain the throne.
- He is indirectly responsible for the deaths of Polonius and Laertes, as his actions and deceit drive Hamlet to kill Polonius, leading to Laertes seeking revenge.
- Claudius is also indirectly responsible for the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as he manipulates them into accompanying Hamlet to England, where they are executed.

2. Sorrows Traced to Hamlet:
- Hamlet's actions and internal conflicts contribute to the sorrows in the play.
- The deaths of Polonius and indirectly, Ophelia, occur due to Hamlet's erratic behavior and questionable decisions.
- The death of Gertrude is partly a result of Hamlet's confrontation with Claudius, as he accidentally contributes to her poisoning.

In summary, while Claudius can be held responsible for some of the sorrows in the play, including the deaths of King Hamlet, Polonius, Laertes, and indirectly Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's actions also play a significant role in causing sorrow. The deaths of Polonius, Ophelia, and Gertrude can be partly traced back to Hamlet's choices and behavior.

To determine the degree of Claudius's responsibility for the sorrows in the play and to identify the sorrows specifically linked to Hamlet, it is necessary to analyze the events and actions of the characters. This can be achieved by closely examining the text of William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet."

One way to approach this question is by analyzing Claudius's role as the primary antagonist in the play. Claudius's actions that contribute to the sorrows include marrying Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, shortly after his brother (Hamlet's father) King Hamlet's death. This action not only causes emotional distress for Hamlet but also leads to his growing suspicion about the true circumstances of his father's death. Claudius's guilt is further solidified when Hamlet's father's ghost appears, revealing that he was murdered by Claudius.

Claudius's ambition and desire for power are evident throughout the play. His schemes and manipulation ultimately lead to the deaths of several characters, including Polonius (father of Ophelia and Laertes), Ophelia herself, and Queen Gertrude. In addition, Claudius plots to have Hamlet killed by arranging a duel between him and Laertes, in which both Hamlet and Laertes are fatally wounded.

However, it is also important to recognize that Hamlet's actions contribute to the sorrows in the play. Hamlet's obsession with revenge, his delay in taking action, and his erratic behavior ultimately lead to the deaths of Polonius and Ophelia. Furthermore, his manipulation of the play within the play (The Mousetrap) exposes Claudius's guilt but also sets off a chain of events that result in the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Ultimately, while Claudius can be considered responsible for some of the sorrows in the play, such as the deaths of King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's actions and choices also play a significant role in the tragic outcomes. The interplay between Claudius's machinations and Hamlet's quest for revenge contribute to the cascade of sorrows experienced by the major characters.