Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 20 · 2 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Hamlet refuses to tell Rosencrantz and Guildenstern where he puts the dead body and mocks Rosencrantz as a servant who absorbs royal rewards. He calls the King worthless, then agrees to be taken to him, shifting the exchange from questioning toward a royal meeting.
What happens
- Hamlet enters and says something is safely put away before Rosencrantz and Guildenstern call for him.
- Rosencrantz asks where the dead body is so they can carry it to the chapel, but Hamlet evades the question.
- Hamlet compares Rosencrantz to a sponge that absorbs the King’s rewards and releases them all when squeezed.
- Rosencrantz demands the body’s location and tells Hamlet to come to the King.
- Hamlet calls the King worthless, asks to be taken to him, and leaves with the others.
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In this scene
What to notice
The sponge image expresses Hamlet’s contempt for Rosencrantz’s dependence on royal favor. It also presents the King as someone who uses servants for what they collect.
Quick check
Where does Rosencrantz want to carry the dead body?
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