HAMLET

ACT III
Scene 1
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have no new information on Hamlets behavior. Gertrude seems
concerned and asks if Hamlet shows interest in recreational activity. Claudius is pleased to hear he is
staging a play, however, is unaware he is the reason for the play. Themes of deception and manipulation
continue. Claudius and Polonius have a new idea to spy on Hamlet by using Ophelia. Polonius desires to
protect his daughters honor and Claudius desires to maintain his royal position. Gertrude shows a lack of
awareness of the situation. Next, the audience is exposed to Claudius guilty conscience and Claudius
character is seen as more complex. Hamlets third soliloquy debates over his thoughts of suicide and how
he believes death is more rational than life. Ophelia interrupts Hamlet. Hamlet believes women use
beauty as deception because of Gertrudes actions. Hamlet says, Get thee to a nunnery and this presents
the theme of misogyny. Ophelia rejects Hamlet and Hamlet is upset and knows Claudius and Polonius
are conspiring with her. Ophelia radiates selflessness in her response to Hamlets insults. She makes fun
of his madness which is ironic because she will soon go mad. Claudius suggests sending Hamlet away
because he is a threat to the state of Denmark. Polonius wants to spy on Hamlet one last time.
Scene 2
Hamlet directs the play. Hamlet asks Horatio to watch Claudius reactions. Hamlet harasses
Ophelia some more. The actors preform The Murder of Gonzago. When the nephew pours poison in
the Kings ear, Claudius gets up and leaves. Gertrude is upset about the play and believes the Player
Queen was overreacting about staying loyal to her husband. The lady doth protest too much methinks.
Hamlet is very happy with the outcome of the play and is struggling with feelings about killing his
mother. The ghost wishes for him not to punish Gertrude and reminds Hamlet of his true purpose.
Scene 3
Claudius begins to realize how much of a threat Hamlet is and sends him off to England to protect
the state of Denmark. Polonius is ignorant about the Danish Court. Polonius believes Gertrude can coax
Hamlet out of his hostile behavior. Claudius knows Gertrude cannot convince Hamlet to forgive him.
Claudius sends Hamlet to England to be killed. Claudius embarks upon a soliloquy letting the audience
deeper into his mind and even makes the audience feel empathy. Claudius also confirms that he murdered
his brother to be king. He knows he should seek forgiveness, but knows he cannot fully because he is still
the king and has the benefits of his wrongdoing. Claudius is very troubled by his crimes and cries for
help. He regains control after his brief outburst. Hamlet has an opportunity to kill Claudius while he is
weak and defenseless. He decides not to because he knows if Claudius is killed now he will go to heaven.
Scene 4
Gertrude is ready to talk to Hamlet about his behavior. She is taken back by his anger towards
her. Gertrude cries for help in terror and Polonius, who was hiding behind a curtain eavesdropping,
jumps out and is killed by Hamlet. Hamlet originally thinks it is Claudius, but soon learns it is Polonius.
He feels no remorse. Hamlet then speaks very highly of King Hamlet compared to Claudius. Hamlet
continues to obsess over Gertrude and Claudius sex life. This relates to the theme of incest. The ghost
then appears and reminds him that his true purpose is to murder Claudius. Gertrude is convinced the
ghost isnt real and Hamlet is insane. Hamlet also tries to convince Gertrude to stay away from Claudius.
Hamlet explains how he is faking his insanity for his revenge on Claudius. The theme of deception is

heavily brought to light in the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude. Gertrude agrees not to tell
Claudius.