show establishes the plot of the play-within-the-play, and the events surrounding the death of Hamlet’s father in the wider play. This paralleling of storylines creates meta-theatrical awareness, emphasized by Ophelia’s comment, “Belike this show imports the argument of the play.” The full performance begins, with asides from Hamlet as he comments on and explains the action for the others. Ophelia says that he makes a “good chorus,” emphasizing his capacity as an “actor” but also highlighting that, despite this, he is often slightly distanced from the action, observing and commenting rather than participating. Hamlet responds to Ophelia with his usual harsh, deliberately sexual, wordplay. As we reach the point in the play-within-the-play where “Lucianus” kills “Gonzago” by pouring poison in his ear, Claudius rushes out, calling for light and throwing the court into confusion.
Lines 257–379: Hamlet and Horatio discuss Claudius’ behavior and Horatio’s more measured response contrasts with Hamlet’s wild exclamations of conviction as to his uncle’s guilt. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come to report that the king is “marvellous distempered” and that they have been sent by Gertrude to fetch Hamlet. Despite their attempts to make Hamlet respond in a more reasoned way and put his “discourse into some frame,” he continues to disconcert them with his unpredictable speech and behavior. He accuses them of trying to “play” him as they might play a musical instrument. Polonius interrupts and tells Hamlet to go to his mother. When he is left alone, Hamlet prepares himself to see Gertrude, declaring that he will be “cruel,” but “not unnatural” and that although he will “speak daggers” he will “use none.”
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is sending Hamlet to England immediately as he does not feel that it is safe “To let his madness range.” He instructs them that they are to accompany Hamlet, and they go to prepare for the voyage. Polonius brings the news that Hamlet is going to speak to Gertrude and that he intends to conceal himself so as to “hear the process.” Once alone, Claudiusmakes his first direct admission of guilt: he has committed an act that has “the primal eldest curse upon’t, / A brother’s murder.” Claudius’ conscience appears to be troubling him as he tries to pray but cannot and, although he wishes to be forgiven for his sin, he does not wish to give up the “effects” it has brought him: his “crown,” his “ambition” and his “queen.” He wonders whether it is possible to “be pardoned and retain th’offence.” He kneels and attempts to pray. Hamlet enters and, seeing Claudius, prepares to kill him. Once more, however, the expected progress of the revenge tragedy is frustrated as Hamlet shifts from a definite declaration of action, “now I’ll do’t,” to further uncertainty. Emphasizing the opposing concepts of the physical/spiritual aspects to humanity, he considers the spiritual consequences of killing Claudius. He argues that, if he kills Claudius while he is at prayer, then Claudius’ soul will go to heaven, which would be more of a reward than a punishment. Deciding to wait until Claudius is “about some act / That has no relish of salvation in’t” so that “his soul may be as damned and black / As hell, whereto it goes,” Hamlet puts up his sword and leaves. Claudius, unaware of his presence, rises and ironically announces that he could not pray, as “Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Lines 1–44: Polonius arranges with Gertrude that he will conceal himself behind the arras to overhear her conversation with Hamlet. Hamlet arrives, and Gertrude accuses him of offending his father (meaning Claudius). He responds that it is she who has offended, referring to his actual father. He continues to parry her attempts to question him, demonstrating his
Lines 257–379: Hamlet and Horatio discuss Claudius’ behavior and Horatio’s more measured response contrasts with Hamlet’s wild exclamations of conviction as to his uncle’s guilt. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern come to report that the king is “marvellous distempered” and that they have been sent by Gertrude to fetch Hamlet. Despite their attempts to make Hamlet respond in a more reasoned way and put his “discourse into some frame,” he continues to disconcert them with his unpredictable speech and behavior. He accuses them of trying to “play” him as they might play a musical instrument. Polonius interrupts and tells Hamlet to go to his mother. When he is left alone, Hamlet prepares himself to see Gertrude, declaring that he will be “cruel,” but “not unnatural” and that although he will “speak daggers” he will “use none.”
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that he is sending Hamlet to England immediately as he does not feel that it is safe “To let his madness range.” He instructs them that they are to accompany Hamlet, and they go to prepare for the voyage. Polonius brings the news that Hamlet is going to speak to Gertrude and that he intends to conceal himself so as to “hear the process.” Once alone, Claudiusmakes his first direct admission of guilt: he has committed an act that has “the primal eldest curse upon’t, / A brother’s murder.” Claudius’ conscience appears to be troubling him as he tries to pray but cannot and, although he wishes to be forgiven for his sin, he does not wish to give up the “effects” it has brought him: his “crown,” his “ambition” and his “queen.” He wonders whether it is possible to “be pardoned and retain th’offence.” He kneels and attempts to pray. Hamlet enters and, seeing Claudius, prepares to kill him. Once more, however, the expected progress of the revenge tragedy is frustrated as Hamlet shifts from a definite declaration of action, “now I’ll do’t,” to further uncertainty. Emphasizing the opposing concepts of the physical/spiritual aspects to humanity, he considers the spiritual consequences of killing Claudius. He argues that, if he kills Claudius while he is at prayer, then Claudius’ soul will go to heaven, which would be more of a reward than a punishment. Deciding to wait until Claudius is “about some act / That has no relish of salvation in’t” so that “his soul may be as damned and black / As hell, whereto it goes,” Hamlet puts up his sword and leaves. Claudius, unaware of his presence, rises and ironically announces that he could not pray, as “Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Lines 1–44: Polonius arranges with Gertrude that he will conceal himself behind the arras to overhear her conversation with Hamlet. Hamlet arrives, and Gertrude accuses him of offending his father (meaning Claudius). He responds that it is she who has offended, referring to his actual father. He continues to parry her attempts to question him, demonstrating his
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