Question

act 4, sc. 2
completely and thoughtfully answer the following questions. if you need more space for an answer, feel free to continue your answer on the back of the paper.

1. what is hamlet’s point in comparing rosencrantz to a sponge?

1. hamlet says that “a knavish speech sleeps in a foolish ear.” given that “knavish” means “dishonest,” who is the knave and who is the fool? explain your answer.

1. read hamlet’s last line in the scene. do you think he says this seriously and goes with the men to see the king? or do you think he says this playfully and runs away, making the men chase him? upon what do you base your answer?

Explanation:

Question 1

In Hamlet, when Hamlet compares Rosencrantz to a sponge, he means Rosencrantz soaks up (obeys) the King’s orders/words, like a sponge soaks water. Rosencrantz is subservient, taking in the King’s directives to spy on Hamlet, and once the King is done, he’ll discard Rosencrantz (as a sponge is squeezed dry). This shows Hamlet’s disdain for Rosencrantz’s loyalty to the corrupt King.

A “knave” (dishonest person) here is likely the King (Claudius), who speaks dishonestly (e.g., feigning concern for Hamlet, plotting against him). The “fool” is Rosencrantz (or Guildenstern, or both) because they foolishly accept and act on the King’s knavish (dishonest) commands, not seeing the King’s true motives or the wrongness of spying on Hamlet. Their gullibility makes them “fools” who receive the King’s dishonest speech.

Hamlet likely says his last line playfully and runs away. His character is witty, rebellious, and enjoys toying with others (like his wordplay and tricks earlier). Also, his distrust of the King and the men (Rosencrantz, Guildenstern) makes him unlikely to go meekly. His history of evading authority (e.g., feigning madness) supports this playful defiance, making the men chase him to assert his control and mock their obedience.

Answer:

Hamlet’s point is that Rosencrantz is like a sponge: he soaks up the King’s orders/words (obeys the King to spy on Hamlet) and will be discarded (squeezed dry) once the King has no use for him, showing Hamlet’s contempt for Rosencrantz’s subservience to the corrupt King.

Question 2