Slade Ransdell: Act 4 Language/Response

1. Cicatrice: scar: a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
   
   Page 101, Line 4. Shakespeare used the word "cicatric" to describe the relationship between Denmark and England. When Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England he notes that England might be hesitant due to wounds that were inflicted by Denmark in the past. Hopefully the death of Hamlet will not only help those wounds, but it will get rid of Claudius' problem as well.
2. Imposthume: an abscess; to form an abscess.
   
   Page 102, Line18. Shakespeare uses the word "imposthume" to describe the act of Fortinbras' military aspirations. Hamlet is appalled that so many lives would be lost to fight for a piece of land that holds little importance. He feels as though by attacking Poland, both peace and wealth will form an abcess and be consumed.
3. Swoopstake: in an indiscriminate manner
   
   Page 109, Line 24. Shakespeare invents the word "swoopstake" to describe the manner in which Laertes conducts himself upon hearing of his father's death. Instead of remaining calm and investigating to find the cause and responsibility for his father's murder, he makes a big scene; drawing out both friend and foe. This is also a sort of criticism for the way that Laertes threatened the king. Claudius claims to be a friend of Laertes and his late father, if only to escape the edge of his sword.
   
   
   
   Response
    This Act was full of twists and secrets, which made it fairly interesting to read. Claudius' response to the play is continued in his efforts to get rid of Hamlet. This gives the sense that Claudius suspects that Hamlet knows he is responsible for killing his father. His desire to kill/get rid of Hamlet is so great that he conspires with Laertes to help him get revenge for Polonius' death (which is ironic). Meanwhile, Hamlet is trying to get home and exact his vengeance on his uncle. Laertes acts as Hamlet's opposite due to his immediate anger and desire for venegeance. Without any concrete proof of the murderer, he barges into the castle and demands justice (which is the exact opposite of what Hamlet did).