Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 3 summary
Act 4, Scene 3 of 20 · 3 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 3, Hamlet mocks the King’s questions about Polonius’s body before pointing toward the lobby stairs, and the King orders him to leave for England immediately. Once Hamlet and his escorts leave, the King reveals that his letters demand Hamlet’s immediate execution, exposing the deadly purpose behind the claimed concern for his safety.
What happens
- The King fears Hamlet’s freedom but says his popularity makes open punishment dangerous.
- Rosencrantz reports that Hamlet refuses to reveal where he puts the body, and the King orders Hamlet brought in.
- Hamlet answers questions about Polonius with images of worms eating kings and beggars, then directs the search toward the lobby stairs.
- The King sends Hamlet to England under the claim of protecting him, and Hamlet accepts the departure.
- The King urges Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to hurry Hamlet aboard, then reveals that his letters demand Hamlet’s immediate death.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Hamlet, Prinz von Dänemark, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this scene
What to notice
The King states the journey’s hidden purpose. His private command directly contradicts his public claim that he acts for Hamlet’s safety.
Quick check
Why does the King hesitate to punish Hamlet openly?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Hamlet, Prinz von Dänemark, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
