Cards (3)

  • In Act 4, we reach the point where Hamlet has been sent away from Denmark by the King, and his encounter with the Norwegian captain serves to remind the reader of Fortinbras’ presence in the world of the play and gives Hamlet another example of the will to act that he lacks.
  • “My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!”
  • Intriguingly, in these moments close to the ending of the play, add to the little impact from Hamlets inner conflict to his character development as a whole. From these we can fully understand that in terms of importance, his mental conflict and questions that he keeps to himself act as barrier keeping him from acting - his thoughtful nature plays a major role in delaying his revenge. His character does not develop until the very last minute when another figure must, crucially, enact brutal and extreme measures in order for Hamlet to break this metaphorical barrier and ultimately, develop.