Hamlet ~ Act IV Scene IV

Hamlet  ~  Act IV  Scene IV

Hamlet comes upon the captain of Fortinbras' army who has arrived to pass through the kingdom on their way to Poland.  Upon questioning the captain, Hamlet discovers that the piece of Polish land being fought over is really worthless, and Hamlet laments the loss of money and lives over such a trivial thing.

Hamlet then sinks into a fantastic soliloquy, comparing Fortinbras' venture to his own poor inaction.  Fortinbras' is prepared to go to his death with an army of twenty thousand over an illusion, yet Hamlet has cause to fight, but is so far showing himself a coward.  He spurs his thoughts on to violence.

Hamlet tries to show his mother, Gertrude, his
father's ghost (1778)
Nicolai A. Abildgaard
source Wikipedia

Thoughts:

Hamlet is still appearing very sane and reasonable.  He questions the captain with great astuteness and judges the situation with a rational insight.

His soliloquy is quite wonderful.  I wonder however ........ at the beginning of his speech, he ridicules over-thinking without action, yet at the end he says, "From now on, if my thoughts aren't violent I'll consider them worthless." Hamlet is still focused on his thoughts, and for all his blustering for action, again appears unprepared to act.  However, by concentrating on violence, perhaps he is slowly moving towards the culmination of his desire.  All in good time, Hamlet.

Hamlet Read-Along Posts

Act I Scene I
Act I  Scene II

Act I  Scene III

Act I  Scene IV

Act I  Scene V

Act II Scene I

Act II  Scene II

Act III  Scene I

Act III Scene II

Act III  Scene III

Act III Scene IV
Act IV Scene I
Act IV Scene II
Act IV Scene III
Act IV Scene IV