Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Act 3, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet, the tension in Gertrude’s bedchamber reaches a climax. Hamlet confronts his mother over her marriage to Claudius and possible complicity in his father’s death. When Polonius hides behind a tapestry, Hamlet mistakenly kills him, thinking he is Claudius. Gertrude, terrified, witnesses her son’s rage and seemingly irrational behavior, while the ghost appears to admonish Hamlet, unseen by her. The scene explores themes of madness, guilt, and revenge, as Hamlet drags Polonius’s body away and warns Gertrude about Claudius. The exchange leaves the audience questioning Gertrude’s innocence and Hamlet’s sanity, balancing chaos with moments of rational reflection.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The scene takes place in Queen Gertrude’s bedchamber during Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet.
• 🕵️ Polonius hides behind a tapestry to eavesdrop on Hamlet’s conversation with Gertrude.
• ⚔️ Hamlet confronts Gertrude angrily and mistakenly kills Polonius, thinking he is Claudius.
• 😱 Gertrude is terrified and filled with sorrow over Polonius’s death.
• 🔥 Hamlet rages at Gertrude for marrying Claudius and possibly being complicit in his father’s death.
• 👻 The Ghost appears, instructing Hamlet to leave his mother alone; Gertrude cannot see or hear it.
• 🌀 Gertrude’s inability to perceive the Ghost reinforces her belief that Hamlet has gone mad.
• 📜 Hamlet reminds Gertrude of her role in spying on him and warns her about Claudius before leaving for England.
• 💔 The scene highlights themes of betrayal, revenge, familial conflict, and moral ambiguity.
• 🎬 The murder of Polonius serves as a climactic point, escalating tensions and advancing the plot.
• 🤔 Audiences are left questioning Gertrude’s innocence, Hamlet’s sanity, and the supernatural influence of the Ghost.
• 🗣️ The scene ends with a more rational conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude, though uncertainty and tension remain.

Q & A

What is the setting of Act 3, Scene 4 in Hamlet?

The scene takes place in the Queen's bedchamber, where Gertrude is confronted by Hamlet.

Why is Polonius hiding behind the tapestry?

Polonius hides to eavesdrop on the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude and to follow his plan of spying on Hamlet.

Who does Hamlet mistakenly kill in this scene, and why?

Hamlet kills Polonius by mistake, thinking he is Claudius, because Polonius was hiding behind the tapestry.

How does Gertrude react to the killing of Polonius?

Gertrude is terrified and filled with sorrow over Polonius's death, and she cries out for help.

What is the significance of Hamlet's rage toward his mother?

Hamlet's rage stems from his anger at Gertrude for marrying Claudius and possibly being complicit in his father's death, highlighting the emotional intensity of the scene.

Why does the ghost appear during Hamlet's confrontation with Gertrude?

The ghost appears to remind Hamlet to stay focused on his mission and to leave his mother unharmed, intervening to prevent further impulsive action.

Why can Gertrude not see or hear the ghost?

Gertrude's inability to perceive the ghost suggests either her innocence regarding King Hamlet's murder or that the ghost is a vision only Hamlet can see, emphasizing his unique connection to it.

What does Hamlet remind Gertrude about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

Hamlet tells Gertrude that he knows she sent Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him, revealing the layers of deception in the court.

How does this scene contribute to the climax of the play?

The accidental killing of Polonius represents a turning point, escalating tensions and setting off a chain of events that heightens the tragedy and suspense.

What is the effect of the ghost calming Hamlet during the scene?

The ghost's intervention temporarily restores Hamlet's rationality, allowing him to converse with Gertrude and warn her about Claudius while maintaining his focus on revenge.

How does Gertrude perceive Hamlet's behavior throughout this scene?

Gertrude believes Hamlet has gone mad because of his violent outburst and his interactions with the ghost, which she cannot see or hear.

How does the scene end between Hamlet and Gertrude?

The scene ends with Hamlet leaving for England, dragging Polonius's body with him, after warning Gertrude to avoid Claudius, while Gertrude remains convinced that Hamlet is insane.