ACT 4, Scene 1 - 5 Guided Questions

Act IV

1. What is the real reason, as revealed at the end of 4.3, Claudius has sent Hamlet away?

Claudius has sent Hamlet away to be killed. 

2. What has Hamlet done with the body of Polonius? What kind of a funeral did Polonius receive, according to the King (4.5)?
He placed under the stairs near the castle lobby. The funeral was very "hush hush" and not a proper burial at all. 

3. On his way out of Denmark, Hamlet encounters a captain from the army of Fortinbras (4.4). Where are they headed? What are they fighting for?

They are headed to attack Poland. They are fighting for a little patch of ground, which in the captain's opinion is worthless. 

4. How is Ophelia described in the stage direction that marks her entrance to 4.5? What does she sing about in her songs? What does she hand out to the court?

 She is described as distracted/insane. She is singing about chaos, death, and unrequited love. Ophelia hands out flower, which have different meanings for certain people. 

5. What news does the Messenger bring of Laertes in 4.5? Has he returned to Denmark alone? Compare his state to Hamlet’s report at 4.7.

That Laertes is leading a rebellion against Claudius' government with a group of supporters. Hamlet returns naked and alone, which is almost the complete opposite

6. Note how Laertes describes his motivation for revenge in 4.5. What is driving him?

He says he is not Polonious' son if he does not seek out revenge. He might as well be a bastard, if he does not do anything. He is mostly driver by his father's death, which is practically the same force that drove Hamlet.