Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Act 4, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 4, Scene 1 of *Hamlet*, Gertrude reports to Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius, describing his madness as a force rivaling wind and sea. Claudius, focused on controlling the fallout, decides to send Hamlet away and enlists Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to manage the situation. Gertrude transitions from fear to composed reporting, while Claudius prioritizes reputation and political survival over justice. The scene highlights themes of madness, appearances versus reality, and the manipulation of information, revealing the contrasting ways characters respond to crisis and emphasizing the pervasive concern with power and image in the Danish court.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Gertrude reports to Claudius that Hamlet has gone mad and murdered Polonius, comparing his madness to the uncontrollable power of wind and sea.
• 👑 Claudius reacts quickly, deciding that Hamlet must be sent away immediately to prevent further danger.
• 🕵️ Claudius summons Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to locate Hamlet and instructs them to move Polonius's body to the chapel.
• 📰 Claudius’s primary concern is controlling the narrative and damage to his reputation after Hamlet's crime.
• 🤝 Gertrude transitions from hysterical fear in the previous scene to calm, controlled reporting in Claudius’s presence.
• 🎭 Claudius maintains composure, prioritizing appearances and strategic handling of the fallout over moral judgment.
• ⚖️ The scene highlights the contrast between Hamlet’s violent, uncontrolled behavior and Claudius’s calculated, political response.
• 🧠 Both Claudius and Polonius share a preoccupation with appearances and influence, emphasizing social and political maneuvering.
• 🌪️ Gertrude’s natural imagery underscores the uncontrollable and dangerous aspects of Hamlet’s actions.
• 📊 The scene shifts focus from personal conflict to political strategy, showing the characters’ priorities in managing crisis.

Q & A

What event triggers the actions in Act 4, Scene 1 of Hamlet?

The scene is triggered by Hamlet's murder of Polonius, which Gertrude reports to Claudius.

How does Gertrude describe Hamlet's madness in this scene?

Gertrude compares Hamlet's madness to the uncontrollable power of the wind and sea, vying to see which is mightier.

What is Claudius's immediate reaction to hearing about Polonius's death?

Claudius decides that Hamlet must be sent away at once and summons Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find him.

What instructions does Claudius give to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

He instructs them to locate Hamlet and to bring Polonius's body to the chapel.

How does Gertrude's emotional state in this scene differ from the previous scene?

In the previous scene, Gertrude was hysterical and terrified, but in this scene she is composed and reports events with emotional control.

What is Claudius primarily concerned about beyond sending Hamlet away?

Claudius is concerned with damage control and maintaining appearances to protect his reputation.

Why does Claudius want to involve his closest supporters?

He wants to inform them of the events and put a favorable spin on the news to prevent Hamlet's crime from tarnishing their reputations.

How does the scene highlight the theme of appearance versus reality?

Claudius's focus on controlling how events are perceived contrasts with the violent reality of Hamlet's actions, emphasizing the tension between public image and actual events.

What does the comparison of Hamlet’s madness to natural forces suggest?

It suggests that Hamlet’s emotional state is powerful, uncontrollable, and potentially destructive, like the forces of nature.

How does Claudius's concern with reputation mirror Polonius's behavior?

Both Claudius and Polonius are preoccupied with appearances and the opinions of others, showing that courtly ambition and self-interest drive their actions.

What does this scene reveal about Gertrude’s character development?

The scene shows Gertrude's ability to transition from panic to composed reporting, indicating growing emotional resilience and pragmatism.