Is Gertrude protecting Hamlet when she says he is mad (4.1.7), or does she believe that he is mad? If she believes he is mad, does it follow that she no longer feels ashamed and guilty?

1. Is Gertrude protecting Hamlet when she says he is mad (4.1.7), or does she believe that he is mad? If she believes he is mad, does it follow that she no longer feels ashamed and guilty?

2. Does 5.2.280 suggest that Laertes takes advantage of a momentary pause and unfairly stabs Hamlet? Is the exchange of the weapons accidental, or does Hamlet realizing that he has been betrayed, deliberately get possession of Laertess deadly weapon?

3. Fortinbras gives Hamlet a soldiers funeral. Is this ridiculous? Can it fairly be said that, in a sense, Hamlet has been at war? Explain.