Question

Explain what claudius says that confirms what Horatio told the sentries earlier about Denmark

Answer 1

In an attempt to avoid battle, King Claudius sends two messengers to the king of Norway, letting him know that his nephew, Fortenbras, was putting together an army to wage war on Denmark and reclaim lands previously lost during the rule of King Fortenbras, his father. This is the same information that Horatio interprets from the visitation of the ghost of King Hamlet, and what he tells the sentries.

Answer 2

Answer:

Many dialogues spoken by Claudius help confirm what Horatio told the sentries about Denmark.

Explanation:

Horatio told the sentries at the beginning of the play in Act I Scene I that a bad omen is upon them. Not only Denmark but it forecasts the tragedy to be lived by all the characters of the play. One particular dialogue spoken by Horatio in the same act refers to Fortinbras of Norway explaining how valiant King Hamlet stood up for his lands and the pride he had for it, and how now that has changed with the death of the King and the succession by his brother Claudius. Later on in Act I Scene II Claudius refers to Fortinbras but now showing this character in a position of power over Denmark signifying that the former glory held by the previous King is long gone and this could be the confirmation of the bad omen, as Fortinbras is asking Denmark to surrender the lands once owned by his father meaning they are losing power over Norway. Thus, showing how King Claudius is not really governing for the people but for himself, demonstrating the evil nature of his character that later on carries on vile actions that lead to the overall tragedy of Hamlet.