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Act 4, Scene 7 Summary

Laertes asks Claudius why he has not avenged his father's death. Claudius replies that there are two reasons: first, for the sake of his wife, who loves Hamlet dearly, and second, he is worried about the reactions of his subjects, who love Hamlet. He tells Laertes he loved his father and will avenge him. News arrives that Hamlet has been brought "naked" back to Denmark and will appear in Court to beg his pardon. Claudius asks Laertes if he will obey him. Laertes replies if he will not restrain him. Claudius says that he will see that an accident befalls Hamlet. They will arrange a duel for sport. But Laertes' sword will be poisoned so that the slightest scratch will kill Hamlet. And, if that doesn't work, Claudius will prepare a poison drink for Hamlet if anything goes wrong with the plan. Gertrude enters and tells Laertes that Ophelia has drowned. She died, weighted down by flowers and weeds, drowning in her heavy garments singing songs driven by her lunacy. After Laertes exits, Claudius says that after all his attempts to calm Laertes, he fears Ophelia death will drive Laertes to something erratic and premature.

Act 4, Scene 7 Analysis

Claudius tells Laertes that wisdom has directed his restraint against Hamlet. It is quite clear that there is truth to that. For Claudius, now perceiving Hamlet as an enemy, knows he must proceed cautiously because Hamlet is a popular and wily enemy. But now, with Ophelia's death, it is Laertes who is the danger. Claudius, who is a successful usurper of the throne of Denmark, has succeeded because he makes his plans carefully with a knowledge and respect for the power of his opponent.