Which excerpt shows Claudius telling Laertes of his plan to ensure Hamlet's death?

• A. Act II, Scene 2
• B. Act III, Scene 1
• C. Act I, Scene 4
• D. Act IV, Scene 7

Answer: (D)

This question tests recognizing the moment when Claudius reveals his plan to kill Hamlet to Laertes. In Act IV, Scene 7, Claudius explicitly lays out the scheme to ensure Hamlet’s death and recruits Laertes to help carry it out, including details like using a poisoned blade and, if necessary, poisoned wine. That direct confession to Laertes about the plan is what makes this excerpt the correct moment. The other scenes involve different conversations or actions (meeting with polonius about Hamlet’s behavior, Hamlet’s soliloquy, or the Ghost’s urging) and do not feature Claudius outlining the murder plan to Laertes.