Rosencrantz and Guildenstern fail to uncover the reason behind Hamlet's apparent madness.
Polonius and Claudius plan a secret observation of a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia.
Hamlet initially speaks courteously to Ophelia but then suddenly turns on her, denying love, questioning her honesty, and urging her to go to a nunnery.
Claudius concludes that Hamlet's behavior is not due to love and decides to send Hamlet to England.
Polonius advises delaying any decision until Gertrude speaks with Hamlet post-play.
Detailed Breakdown
Characters Present
King Claudius
Queen Gertrude
Polonius
Ophelia
Rosencrantz
Guildenstern
Lords
Key Dialogue and Events
Report from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
King: Asks if they have discovered the cause of Hamlet's lunacy.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Report Hamlet feels distracted but does not reveal the cause. Guildenstern notes Hamlet's crafty avoidance in conversation.
Play Arrangement
Rosencrantz: Mentions players are at court, and a play is organized for that night.
Polonius: Confirms Hamlet's request for the court to attend.
Claudius and Polonius's Plan
Claudius: Plans to observe Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia to determine if love is the cause of his madness.
Queen: Hopes Ophelia's virtues can restore Hamlet.
Polonius: Tells Ophelia to read a book to appear natural during the encounter.
Hamlet's "To be or not to be" Soliloquy
Hamlet contemplates life and death, considering whether it's nobler to endure suffering or oppose it by ending one's life.
He reflects on the fear of the unknown after death as a deterrent to suicide.
Encounter with Ophelia
Ophelia: Attempts to return gifts from Hamlet.
Hamlet: Denies giving gifts, questions honesty and beauty, and expresses mistrust of women.
Key Quotes:
"Get thee to a nunnery."
"What should such fellows as I do crawling between earth and heaven?"
Ophelia's Reaction: Laments Hamlet's change from noble to mad.
Claudius and Polonius's Conclusion
Claudius: Believes Hamlet's behaviors stem from something more than love and plans to send him to England.
Polonius: Insists on listening to Gertrude's conversation with Hamlet before taking action.
Themes
Madness: Hamlet's feigned madness as a tool and its interpretation by others.
Love and Distrust: Hamlet's complex relationship with Ophelia reflecting larger themes of trust and deception.
Action vs. Inaction: Explored in Hamlet's soliloquy about life’s burdens and the fear of the unknown.
Conclusion
Claudius and Polonius agree to watch Hamlet closely, especially during his upcoming conversation with Gertrude, to further understand his condition.