Question

the tragedy of hamlet, prince of denmark, act iv, scenes v-vi by william shakespeare as you read, highlight passages that show how the central conflict in the play develops. take notes to keep track of plot elements. after learning of his father’s death, laertes demands to talk to king claudius. act iv. scene v. in act iv of the play, hamlet stabs polonius. in what ways does this event move the plot forward? choose three correct answers. polonius’s death causes laertes to return to denmark to get revenge. polonius’s death deepens the conflict between hamlet and king claudius. polonius’s death contributes to ophelia’s madness.

Explanation:

• For option A: Laertes, Polonius's son, returns to Denmark seeking revenge for his father's death, which adds a new layer of conflict and advances the plot.
• For option B: King Claudius sees Hamlet's act of killing Polonius as a threat, which deepens the existing conflict between Hamlet (who seeks to avenge his father) and Claudius (the current king and Hamlet's uncle), propelling the story forward.
• For option C: The loss of her father, Polonius, has a profound psychological impact on Ophelia, leading to her madness. This madness further complicates the relationships and events in the play, moving the plot forward.

Answer:

A. Polonius’s death causes Laertes to return to Denmark to get revenge.
B. Polonius’s death deepens the conflict between Hamlet and King Claudius.
C. Polonius’s death contributes to Ophelia’s madness.