Act IV of Hamlet
1. What is the King's original plan for eliminating Hamlet?
2. What does Hamlet learn from Fortinbras's captain about their mission into Poland? How does this affect Hamlet?
3. What is the plan and back-up plan that Claudius concocts with Laertes?
4. What is the cause of Ophelia's death? How does this happen?
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To find the answers to the questions about Act IV of Hamlet, you can refer to the original text of the play written by William Shakespeare. Here's the process you can follow to find the answers:
1. To understand the King's original plan for eliminating Hamlet, you can read through Act IV, Scene 3 of the play. In this scene, Claudius speaks with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and reveals his intention to send Hamlet to England. He plans to send Hamlet with letters, requesting the English king to have Hamlet killed.
2. To learn what Hamlet learns from Fortinbras's captain about their mission into Poland and how it affects him, you need to refer to Act IV, Scene 4. This scene features Hamlet encountering Fortinbras's captain, who informs him about the pointless military campaign they are embarking on. This revelation causes Hamlet to reflect on his own lack of action and motivates him to be more decisive and revenge-focused.
3. The plan and backup plan concocted by Claudius with Laertes are discussed in Act IV, Scene 7. They develop a scheme to have Laertes challenge Hamlet to a duel, where Laertes will use a poisoned rapier to kill him. Additionally, Claudius has a backup plan involving a poisoned drink that he will offer Hamlet during the duel, in case Laertes fails to deliver the fatal blow.
4. The cause of Ophelia's death is described in Act IV, Scene 7. According to Gertrude's account, Ophelia fell into a brook while gathering flowers and her excessive grief led to her inability to save herself from drowning. The circumstances surrounding her death are seen as a result of her madness and emotional turmoil.
By following these steps and referring to Act IV of Hamlet, you can find the answers to the questions you have about the play.