 Characters  General information  Literary terms (foil character)  Hamlet’s fourth of four great soliloquies  FIVE “sorrows” in Denmark  Quotes (6 total)  Themes

 Late King Hamlet (ghost)  Gertrude  Prince Hamlet  Claudius  Ophelia  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern  Laertes  Young Fortinbras

 Five Act Structure: Purpose of Act IV  The “desperate stage” where rash decisions are made  Primary Setting:  Castle of Elsinore; Denmark  Time Period:  16 th Century  How much time has gone by since the start of the play?  About five months

Literary Terms: Aside  Definition: when a character reveals thoughts while other character’s are on stage; information is meant for the audience to hear, not the other characters present.  Soliloquy  Definition: when a character is alone on stage revealing his/her inner thoughts to the audience through a lengthy speech.

Literary Terms:  Irony:  Definition: when something happens that is the opposite of what is meant or expected to happen.  Dramatic Irony:  Definition: When the audience or reader knows or perceives something other characters do not.  Foil Character:  Definition: A secondary character who parallels and contrasts a main character.

 Fourth of four Great Soliloquies delivered by Hamlet:  1. Hamlet reprimands himself for being a man of thought instead of a man of action after he hears that Fortinbras’ army is willing to risk their lives over a worthless piece of land. He finds motivation in their drive.  2. Because he is motivated by Fortinbras’ army, he vows to be a man of action and seek revenge no matter what.

Act IV Quotes ( 5 total) Claudius: “He’s loved of the distracted multitude,/ Who like not in their judgment, but their eyes.” (theme of appearance vs. reality) Claudius: “By letters congruing to that effect/ The present death of Hamlet.” (dramatic irony/ theme of deception) Hamlet: “Oh, from this time forth,/ My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!” (theme of revenge)

Act IV Quotes (cont.): Laertes: “Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged/ Most throughly for my father.” (theme of revenge) Claudius: “And where th’ offense is, let the great ax fall.” (foreshadowing) Claudius: “How much I had to do to calm his rage!/ Now fear I this will give it start again;…”

According to Claudius, what are the five “sorrows” of Denmark: 1. Polonius’ death 2. Hamlet sent away due to his actions 3. The people of Denmark are confused by the rumors about Polonius’ death 4. Ophelia has gone mad 5. Laertes has returned from France ready to seek revenge for his father’s death.

1. Briefly summarize the letter the sailor gives to Horatio detailing Hamlet’s return to Denmark. 2.What are the two reasons Claudius give Laertes for not harming Hamlet? 3.What are the two plans Claudius has for killing Hamlet? 4.What happens to Ophelia at the end of Act IV? Explain the incident.

Themes: Deception Corruption Revenge Appearance vs. Reality