The Intense Confrontation: Hamlet and Gertrude in Act 3, Scene 4

TLDRIn Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Hamlet confronts Gertrude in her bed chambers and stabs through a tapestry, mistakenly killing Polonius. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears, urging him to focus on his task and leave his mother alone. Gertrude is unable to see or hear the ghost, further cementing her belief that Hamlet has gone mad.

Key insights

🗡️Hamlet's rage leads him to impulsively stab through a tapestry, accidentally killing Polonius.

👻The appearance of the ghost, which only Hamlet can see and hear, adds to the tension and confusion in the scene.

😱Gertrude's inability to perceive the ghost raises questions about her innocence or complicity in King Hamlet's death.

🙅‍♂️Hamlet warns Gertrude against associating with Claudius and emphasizes that he is leaving for England.

💔Despite their conversation, Gertrude still believes that Hamlet is mad, underscoring the ongoing tension between them.

Q&A

Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?

—In his rage to confront Gertrude, Hamlet stabs through a tapestry, mistakenly believing Claudius is hiding behind it. Instead, he ends up killing Polonius.

Why can't Gertrude see or hear the ghost?

—The ghost of Hamlet's father only appears to Hamlet himself. Gertrude's inability to perceive the ghost adds to the confusion and tension in the scene.

Does Gertrude know about Claudius's involvement in King Hamlet's death?

—It is unclear whether Gertrude is aware of Claudius's role in King Hamlet's death. However, Hamlet accuses her of being complicit in the murder.

What does Hamlet warn Gertrude about?

—Hamlet warns Gertrude to stay away from Claudius and reminds her that he is being sent to England. He emphasizes his distrust of Claudius.

Does Gertrude think Hamlet is mad?

—Yes, Gertrude believes that Hamlet has gone mad. Despite their conversation, she cannot comprehend his interactions with the ghost and remains convinced of his insanity.

Timestamped Summary

00:00[Music] Introduction to Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet.

00:09Hamlet confronts Gertrude in her bed chambers.

00:20Hamlet stabs through a tapestry, mistakenly killing Polonius.

01:07The ghost of Hamlet's father appears to Hamlet.

01:55Gertrude is unable to see or hear the ghost, furthering her belief that Hamlet is mad.

02:31Hamlet warns Gertrude against associating with Claudius and reveals his plans to leave for England.

02:53Gertrude still believes Hamlet is mad, despite their conversation.

02:56Hamlet leaves, dragging Polonius's body with him.

Browse more