This scene serves as a crucial turning point in the play's political trajectory, transforming Hamlet from a melancholy prince into an actual murderer with blood on his hands. Gertrude's report to Claudius creates a fascinating study in dramatic irony, as the audience knows the full context of what occurred in the closet scene while Claudius receives only Gertrude's filtered version of events.Gertrude's description of Hamlet as "mad as the sea and wind" employs powerful natural imagery that suggests uncontrollable forces of nature. Her metaphor comparing Hamlet's madness to "ore among a mineral of metals base" that "shows itself pure" reveals her complex understanding of her son—she sees nobility even within his apparent insanity, suggesting that his grief and remorse prove his essential goodness.Claudius's reaction demonstrates his political acumen and moral corruption. His immediate concern is not for Polonius's death or Hamlet's mental state, but for his own political survival. The disease imagery he employs—comparing his handling of Hamlet to "the owner of a foul disease" who lets "it feed even on the pith of Life"—reveals his understanding that his inaction has allowed a deadly situation to fester. This medical metaphor connects to the play's broader theme of corruption and decay...
Scene Summary
In this brief but crucial scene, Queen Gertrude rushes to inform King Claudius about the shocking events in her chamber. She reports that Hamlet, in a fit of madness, has accidentally killed Polonius, mistaking him for a rat behind the tapestry. Gertrude describes Hamlet as "mad as the sea and wind" and emphasizes his apparent genuine grief over the killing.
Claudius immediately recognizes the political danger this murder poses to his reign. He realizes that he should have controlled Hamlet's dangerous behavior earlier and fears that the public will blame him for allowing Hamlet to remain free. The King quickly decides to send Hamlet away to England and instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and bring Polonius's body to the chapel. The scene ends with Claudius preparing to manage the political fallout from this "vile deed."
"Mad as the sea and wind, when both contend / Which is the mightier" — Gertrude (4.1.7-8)
"O heavy deed! / It had been so with us, had we been there" — Claudius (4.1.13-14)
"His liberty is full of threats to all" — Claudius (4.1.15)
"But, like the owner of a foul disease, / To keep it from divulging, let it feed / Even on the pith of Life" — Claudius (4.1.21-23)
"O'er whom his very madness, like some ore / Among a mineral of metals base, / Shows itself pure; he weeps for what is done" — Gertrude (4.1.25-27)
"The sun no sooner shall the mountains touch, / But we will ship him hence" — Claudius (4.1.29-30)
"My soul is full of discord and dismay" — Claudius (4.1.45)
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