Question

If the plan to kill Hamlet doesn't work, what back up plan does Claudius propose?

a. Seek asylum in a neighboring kingdom
b. Arrange a duel with Laertes
c. Attempt to poison Hamlet during a feast
d. Flee to a distant land and assume a new identity

Answer 1

Claudius proposes a duel with Laertes as a back up plan if the plan to kill Hamlet doesn't work.

Step-by-step explanation:

Claudius proposes b. Arrange a duel with Laertes as a back up plan if the original plan to kill Hamlet doesn't work. In Act V of the play, Claudius conspires with Laertes to arrange a fencing match between him and Hamlet. The plan is for Laertes to use a poisoned sword to kill Hamlet during the duel.

This back up plan demonstrates Claudius' relentless determination to get rid of Hamlet, even resorting to manipulative tactics to achieve his goal. The king concocts a backup plan as well, proposing that if Hamlet succeeds in the duel, Claudius will offer him a poisoned cup of wine to drink from in celebration. Gertrude enters with tragic news.