- Simultaneous action: In Act IV, Shakespeare often has multiple events happening at the same time. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement, and it helps to keep the audience engaged. For example, in Act IV, scene v, Ophelia goes mad and drowns, while Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet.
- Short scenes: The scenes in Act IV are much shorter than the scenes in earlier acts. This helps to create a sense of momentum, and it keeps the audience from getting bored.
- Fast-paced dialogue: The dialogue in Act IV is often fast-paced and intense. This helps to create a sense of urgency, and it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
- Omission of unnecessary details: Shakespeare omits unnecessary details in Act IV. This helps to keep the action moving, and it prevents the audience from getting bogged down in irrelevant information.
- Use of foreshadowing: Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in Act IV to hint at the events that will happen later in the play. This helps to create a sense of suspense and anticipation, and it keeps the audience guessing about what will happen next.
By using these techniques, Shakespeare speeds up the pace of Hamlet in Act IV and creates a sense of urgency and excitement. This helps to keep the audience engaged and ensures that the play remains interesting and suspenseful.