Question

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 claudius’ reaction when he’s told of polonius’ death? what does this show us about his feelings toward polonius, one of his closest allies?
2. when does king claudius plan to launch hamlet’s ship to england? why the hurry?
3. in trying to protect hamlet, queen gertrude tells claudius that hamlet “weeps for what is done.” there is a double-meaning in this line. explain the two meanings.
4. what unpleasant task does the king give to rosencrantz and guildenstern?
5. why can’t claudius just announce to everyone that hamlet killed polonius and have him put on trial?

Explanation:

Question 1

When told of Polonius’ death, Claudius reacts with fear and concern for his own safety rather than grief for Polonius. This shows that his alliance with Polonius was self - serving; he valued Polonius as a tool for his own power and security, and his primary concern is protecting himself from Hamlet’s potential wrath.

Claudius plans to launch Hamlet’s ship to England immediately. The hurry is because he sees Hamlet as a threat after Polonius’ death. He wants to get Hamlet out of Denmark to either have him executed in England (via the letter he gives with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) or at least remove him from the court where he could cause more trouble.

First meaning: Hamlet weeps for the act of killing Polonius (the “what is done” as the deed of murder). Second meaning: Hamlet weeps for the state of affairs, including his father’s death, his mother’s hasty remarriage, and the corruption in the court (the “what is done” as the broader events and wrongs that have occurred).

Answer:

Claudius is scared, fearing Hamlet’s actions could turn on him. It shows he valued Polonius as an ally for his own gain, not out of genuine care, as his fear is self - centered.

Question 2