Hamlet is questioning himself as to why he's doing what he's doing. He cant figure out why he's putting off killing Claudius. It's like he doesn't understand why he's thinking so much or why he's having so many convicting thoughts about the revenge. He just can't seem to bring himself to the final act of it.
Act 4, Scene 5, Pg. 137, Lines 205-214
King Claudius is trying to redeem himself. This is important because it sets up the relationship between Laertes and the King as they plot to kill Hamlet. The King wants Laertes to know that it wasn't him that killed Polonius so he wasn't to lose his crown when everyone starts asking qustions. He blames everything on Hamlet so there can be no reason anything would come back to him.
Act 4, Scene 7, Pg. 143, Lines 128-140
The King is telling Laertes that it is alright for him to attempt to murder Hamlet. Throughout these lines, their true feelings come to the surface and we don't have to keep guessing about what they are going to do about this. This passage also builds further suspense as to what the readers think will happen later.
Clarification Questions
Why did Laertes secretly come back from France?
Why does Laertes assume Claudius killed his father?
How do you think Ophelia's death will affect Laertes plan to kill Hamlet?
What is the symbolism between the flowers and Ophelia?
I agree with your decisions on the passages. And I'm surprised Laertes gave anyone a chance to live after his father and sisters deaths. After all that I'm not sure anyone would be thinking rationally enough to make the decision he did.
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