write three to five sentences summarizing the scene you read from act i of the miracle worker

King Hamlet was selected by his predecessor to marry the princess, and the marriage clinched his election to the monarchy. According to the Scandinavian legend, Gertrude's father was the king before King Hamlet. Knights of the realm chose from candidates who petitioned for the throne. Scholars contend that succession to the throne of Denmark was determined by a vote. However, Claudius' entirely self-serving evil becomes immediately apparent when he explains to Laertes his second reason for not punishing Hamlet for Polonius' murder: the great love the country has for Hamlet, which would not look kindly on the King who threatened him. Despite his knowledge that Hamlet is a great danger to him, he tells Laertes that he has chosen not to hurt his 'son' because the Queen 'lives almost by his looks,' and Claudius lives almost for the Queen. In this scene he demonstrates that he may also be a devoted husband who prizes the emotional well being of his beloved wife. As shown in his prayer scene in Act III, Claudius has a Christian conscience even if he is incapable of satisfying it. Caring would mitigate his evil and add to the paradox inherent in his character. Claudius and Gertrude follow him, ostensibly to quell his anger.Ĭlaudius struts for Laertes in this scene, but, if we believe what he says, he also demonstrates his ability to care. Laertes finds his grief uncontrollable, and he runs out in a rage. Ophelia's clothing carried her afloat for a time, but eventually she sank to her death. She describes the young woman's death graphically, explaining how she had fallen in the brook while weaving flower garlands the willow tree branch on which she was sitting broke so that she tumbled into the water. Gertrude interrupts their plotting with her report of Ophelia's drowning. Claudius adds yet another safeguard: He will poison a goblet of wine for Hamlet to drink, so that even if Laertes fails to draw blood, Hamlet will die. Laertes shares his own plan to dip his sword in a poison so lethal that a minor scratch will cause instant death. Thus, Laertes can kill Hamlet in front of an audience, and it will appear to be an accident no one will know it is murder. Hamlet will use a fencing foil, but Laertes' foil will have an unblunted point. Claudius promises to arrange a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet. Now knowing that Hamlet is still alive, Claudius offers Laertes an opportunity to show his love for Polonius by joining him in a plot to kill Hamlet by engaging in swordplay with him. Claudius explains that he has restrained himself, even though he has no intention of letting Hamlet get away with his crimes.Īt this point, a messenger arrives with the letters Hamlet has sent in Horatio's care. Laertes can't understand why Claudius didn't punish Hamlet for such capitol crimes. Claudius confirms that Hamlet killed Polonius, though seeking to take Claudius' life.

Write three to five sentences summarizing the scene you read from act i of the miracle worker