Post by mbenoit on Oct 30, 2011 20:29:38 GMT -5
In Act IV the events following Polonius's death were explored. Claudius seemed to use this time to cover up Hamlet's wrongdoings. He was initially only concerned for themselves. Claudius says, "It will be laid to us, whose providence should have kept short, restrained and out of haunt, this mad young man." (Pg. 116 Lines 17-20). He is worried about how the public will respond to him instead of thinking about Hamlet's mindset and what his punishment may have to be. He intends to do everything possible to keep the crime away from the public eye because it could hurt his reputation. Claudius proceeds to contact Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and bring Polonius's body to him where they can dispose of it quickly. "Go seek [Hamlet] out; speak fair, and bring the body into the chapel. I pray you haste in this." (Pg. 116 Lines 36-37). Claudius seems to have contacted England about harming Hamlet in order keep him from any antics that could hurt the King. Claudius says, "The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England; for like the hectic in my blood he rages, and thou must cure me." (Pg. 121 Lines 66-68). Claudius is attempting to keep Hamlet from ever again ruining his chances of leadership. Laertes is angered by his father's death and is searching for revenge. This is very similar to the search Hamlet has been on, searching for revenge for this father's murder. Claudius goes so far as to say to Laertes, "Make choice of whom your wisest friends you will. And they shall hear and judge ’twixt you and me. If by direct or by collateral hand they find us touched, we will our kingdom give, our crown, our life, and all that we can ours, to you in satisfaction." (Pg. 135 Lines 204-209). Claudius knows that Laertes will find nothing against him, but he is using this as a way to better his standing and to clear his reputation. It almost seems ironic that Claudius is accused of a murder he did not commit while he is never questioned about the murder he did commit. Every step Claudius's takes is to keep himself from the public eye because this could eventually lead to his downfall. Hamlet is causing problems for Claudius, so Claudius intends to remove him. I predict that this may possibly lead into the conflicts of the rest of the play.