Notes Act 4, Scene 5... 4/2/09

Claudius diffused the angry mob situation by asking Laertes progressively harder questions. This forced Laertes to use logic and calm down. After three questions he was thinking and not as driven by emotion, this makes him easier to reason with and greatly benefits Claudius in the end. Claud then goes on to complimenting him on what a good son he was and the like. After getting Laertes full attention, he went on to claiming his innocence of the accused crime. Later, he offered his aid in finding the real murderer and bringing him to justice.

Laertes also sees Ophelia in her crazy state of mind, and is devastated of what happened to his sister.

Ophilia's Flowers

These are the flowers that Ophelia hands out in order, along with the meaning and who she was most likely to hand them to.

Flower Meaning Possible Person Given

Rosemary......Remembrance......................... #1 choice:Laertes or #2 possible:Gertude

Pansies..........Thoughts...................................#1 choice:Laertes or #2 possible:Gertude

Fennel............Flattery and Deceit.................Claudius

Columbines..Disloyalty/ingratitude...........#1: Claudius or #2: Gertude

Rue...................Sorrow/Repent......................Ophelia, Gertude/ Claudius

Daises..............Infidelity/unrequited love...Gertude

Violets.............Faithfulness............................NO ONE

-Michael Singh