1. Dramatic Irony:
* Hamlet's Feigned Madness: The audience is aware that Hamlet is pretending to be mad, but the characters on stage, particularly Claudius and Polonius, are not. This creates a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about Hamlet's true intentions and the potential consequences of his actions.
* Claudius's Guilt: Claudius, though he appears outwardly confident, is constantly aware of his crime and fears exposure. The audience, knowing his guilt, understands the gravity of every situation and anticipates his downfall.
* The Players' Performance: The play-within-a-play, "The Mousetrap," is a brilliant tool for building suspense. The audience knows the play's purpose is to expose Claudius's guilt, but we're unsure how Claudius will react. This adds a layer of dramatic irony and amplifies the tension.
2. Uncertainty and Suspenseful Scenarios:
* Hamlet's Journey to England: Hamlet's sudden departure to England, with Claudius's letter requesting his death, creates a sense of urgency and fear for Hamlet's safety. The audience is left wondering if Hamlet will survive and how he will escape this plot.
* Ophelia's Madness: Ophelia's descent into madness, triggered by Polonius's death and Hamlet's rejection, is a heartbreaking and suspenseful turn of events. Her fragile state and the uncertainty of her fate add to the overall tension of the act.
* The Discovery of Polonius's Body: The discovery of Polonius's body, hidden in the royal chamber, creates a sense of shock and confusion. The implications for Hamlet and Claudius are unclear, leaving the audience to grapple with the consequences and anticipate further conflict.
3. Escalating Stakes:
* Hamlet's Conflict with Claudius: Hamlet's deception and his growing determination to avenge his father's death raise the stakes of their conflict. Every interaction between them is charged with tension and fear, as the audience anticipates a violent confrontation.
* The Murder of Polonius: The death of Polonius, a character who initially appears harmless, escalates the stakes of the play and makes Hamlet's actions seem increasingly dangerous. It also signals that the consequences of Hamlet's choices are becoming more serious.
* The Threat of Laertes: The introduction of Laertes, Polonius's vengeful son, adds another layer of conflict to the already fraught situation. His desire for revenge and his potential alliance with Claudius create a dangerous and unpredictable dynamic.
Overall, Act 4 of Hamlet is a masterful demonstration of how suspense can be built through a combination of dramatic irony, uncertainty, and escalating stakes. It leaves the audience constantly on edge, anticipating the next turn of events and the consequences of Hamlet's actions.