Act IV, scene i: Discord and dismay

This scene is short, just 45 lines, and perhaps its primary plot purpose is to have Rosencrantz and Gildenstern despatched to hunt for Polonius' body, last seen being dragged off unceremonioulsy by Hamlet at the end of Act III to 'lug the guts into the neighbour room' (III.iv.214).

But very importantly, we also see Gertrude's explanation to Claudius about Polonius' murder - the very thing that Hamlet has asked her not to do.

Gertrude describes Hamlet's wild and violent madness as that of 'the sea and wind when both contend/Which is the mightier.' (IV.i.7-8).

Claudius is strengthened in his resolve to send Hamlet to England. If you are interested in continuing to collect imagery of contagion, note that Claudius describes Hamlet as the embodiment of a 'foul disease' that has begun to 'feed even on the pith of life' (IV.i.21-23).

An enraged Claudius registers 'discord and dismay' in what feels like a flippant couplet at the end of the scene - he is still couching his actions as being borne of concern for Hamlet.

The pace and movement of the characters here and the almost seamless continuity from the previous murderous moment maintain the energy of the previous act; we now begin the hurtling descent towards the play's tragic denouement in a series of short scenes.

You can view a short summary and analysis of this scene here:

As you add to your own notes:

• Notice how each character responds to news of the murder of Polonius through the next scenes - here, Gertrude and Claudius. 
• Have fun writing a creative obituary for Polonius. You could do this in euphemistic, eulogical style, or weave together quotations from the play. You could write Hamlet's unofficial version. Feel free to include these in the comments!