Question

Read the excerpt from Act IV of Hamlet.

Claudius: He made confession of you,
And gave you such a masterly report
For art and exercise in your defence,
And for your rapier most especially,
That he cried out, 'twould be a sight indeed
If one could match you; the scrimers of their nation,
He swore, had neither motion, guard, nor eye,
If you oppos'd them. Sir, this report of his
Did Hamlet so envenom with his envy
That he could nothing do but wish and beg
Your sudden coming o'er, to play with him.
Now, out of this,—

Laertes: What out of this, my lord?

Claudius: Laertes, was your father dear to you?
Or are you like the painting of a sorrow,

Why does Shakespeare include this plot event?

to establish Claudius’s respect for Laertes
to illustrate Claudius’s skills of manipulation
to showcase Claudius’s wartime experience
to present Claudius’s interest in competition

Answer 1

to illustrate Claudius’s skills of manipulation

Claudius flatters and selectively reports Hamlet’s praise to inflame Laertes’ pride and grief, then quickly pivots to questioning his love for his father — all to steer Laertes toward vengeance. The scene shows Claudius’ political and rhetorical cunning, not genuine respect, wartime boasting, or a mere interest in competition.