The first five scenes of act 4 present the consequences of the murder of Polonius: Hamlet's banishment, Ophelia's madness, and Laertes' return. The remaining two scenes show the results of Hamlet's unexpected return ... Now the forces opposed to Hamlet are once more in the ascendant, we wonder whether their schemes will be carried out successfully and whether Hamlet can in any way circumvent his enemies and achieve his purpose.
There can only be 6 students per topic:
- How does Ophelia's madness compare with that of Hamlet?
- How does Hamlet differ from Laertes and Fortinbras?
- Show that Claudius is courageous, resourceful and unscrupulous in his behavior during act 4.
- Although Hamlet himself does not appear in the last three scenes of this act, show that we are not permitted to forget him.
- Who has the advantage in act 4, Hamlet or Claudius?
