Act IV, Scene iv

"Oh, from this time forth,/ My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!"

-Hamlet (IV.iv.65-66)

This quote signifies the moment when Hamlet realizes that he needs to begin to take action. He says that is his thoughts are not violent, they are worthless. So far in the play, Hamlet has not done much in terms of acting upon his plan of revenge. This quote is significant to the development of the play because now that he has his evidence, he knows that he needs to do something about it. 

• Discuss the relationship between two characters.

Hamlet and Fortinbras are similar in many aspects. Both are the sons of kings of the same name. King Hamlet of Denmark killed King Fortinbras of Norway. Both Hamlet and Fortinbras want to avenge their fathers deaths. They are foil characters because Fortinbras' rash actions highlight Hamlet's lack of action. Fortinbras plans to attack Denmark, and is actually in the process of doing so in this scene, whereas Hamlet is being sent away to England without having achieved his goal. 

 

This relationship could support the theme of revenge, and how different characters act upon it differently. 

 

• Summarize the action of the scene(s) and discuss how the scene fits into the play as a whole.

 In this scene, Hamlet finds out that Fortinbras plans to invade a part of Poland. The scene mostly consists of Hamelt's soliloquy. In his soliloquy, he becomes aware of how craven and lackluster his actions have been so far. He compares himself to Fortinbras, who has an army of 20,000 men doing as he says, to invade a worthless piece of land. Fortinbras' actions, make him realize that he is not acting in the manner that a prince should, and that in reality, he is not doing anything about the much more serious matter of his fathers death. 

• Rewrite (don’t just summarize!) a significant speech in your own words.

Hamlet's soliloquy-

There are many signs telling me to get on with my revenge.

What good am I if all I do is sleep and eat? I am just an animal. 

God would not have made us with so much ambition and possibility for no reason.

Now it is animalistic or craven from thinking too much. 

Thoughts have one part wisdom, three parts coward. 

I do not know why I still have to ask myself why the deed is not done, 

especially because I have the means, will, and strength to do so.

Look at Fortinbras, a weak, young prince leading a large army to their death for no reason.

Where do I stand, with a father who was killed and a mother who is stained?

Meanwhile, how shameful it is, that I watch 20,000 men march to invade a piece of land that is not even big enough to bury them. 

From now on, if my thoughts are not violent they are worthless.