ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Both men are in agreement, however, that observation – ‘watching’ – is the most appropriate procedure; indeed, as Claudius says at the scene’s close, it is mandatory in the case of Hamlet: ‘Madness in great ones must not unwatched go’ (III. i. 187).

Detailed explanation-2: -Madness in great ones must not unwatched go Claudius probably does not still believe Hamlet is mad, but since Polonius does, he uses this belief as an excuse to send Hamlet away. This is ironic because he could better “watch” Hamlet’s madness if he were still in Elsinore.

Detailed explanation-3: -Claudius says that Hamlet’s strange behavior has clearly not been caused by love for Ophelia and that his speech does not seem like the speech of insanity. He says that he fears that melancholy sits on something dangerous in Hamlet’s soul like a bird sits on her egg, and that he fears what will happen when it hatches.

Detailed explanation-4: -29. What does Polonius think is the cause of Hamlet’s madness? He thinks that Hamlet is upset about Ophelia rejecting him because he is so in love with her.

Detailed explanation-5: -Summary: Act IV, scene i When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern exit, she tells Claudius about her encounter with Hamlet. She says that he is as mad as the sea during a violent storm; she also tells Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius.