Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

In the castle, Polonius lays out a scheme with his servant Reynaldo to spy on Laertes in France. He sends Reynaldo to France to assess Laertes’ reputation among the Danes and the Parisians. He tells Reynold to spread rumors about Laertes and see how his acquaintances react to them.

Ophelia enters the room looking pale and frightened. She tells Polonius that Hamlet had encountered her in the sewing room with his jacket unbuttoned and pants unfastened, looking “loosed out of hell.” He had held her by the wrist and stared at her face only to release her later with a deep sigh. She adds that Hamlet had looked pale and had been trembling. Polonius asks Ophelia whether she has offended Hamlet in any manner. She informs Polonius that, following his advice, she had stopped communicating with Hamlet and spurned his advances. Polonius mistakenly believes that Ophelia’s rejection has pushed Hamlet into a state of madness. He decides to inform Claudius about these events and keep a closer watch on Hamlet.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis

Polonius’ plan to spy on his own son reveals his devious and suspecting nature. Hamlet’s reaction to Ophelia’s rejection can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, this could be his natural response to Ophelia’s rejection and his father’s death. On the other hand, this could be the consequence of his plan to feign madness to spy on Claudius and Gertrude. This episode highlights an important theme in the play: the discord between reality and appearance.

Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

At the castle, Claudius and Gertrude welcome Hamlet’s two friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They have been summoned by the royal couple to spy on Hamlet and have been told by the queen that they will be handsomely compensated for their effort.

As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern leave, the king and queen turn their attention to Polonius, who informs them of Voltemand and Cornelius’ (ambassadors of Denmark) return from Norway. The ambassadors inform Claudius that the king of Norway has convinced Fortinbras to not attack Denmark. Instead, he is asked to launch an attack on Poland. Claudius is requested to let Fortinbras’ army pass through Denmark on their way to Poland.

Polonius also shares that he has been able to determine the cause of Hamlet’s madness: Ophelia’s rejection of his advances and proposal. Claudius wonders if Polonius would be able to prove this beyond doubt. Polonius suggests that they observe Hamlet when he meets Ophelia. Then, Polonius asks the king and queen to leave so that he can speak to Hamlet and arrange for his meeting with Ophelia.

After the royal couple leaves, Polonius engages Hamlet in a conversation that is witty and ironic. However, Polonius is unable to decipher the true meaning of Hamlet’s responses and simply labels him as “mad.” Using the cover of the book he is reading as a reference, Hamlet debunks the belief that old men are generally wise, clearly hinting at Polonius. Unable to clearly understand Hamlet, Polonius comments that there seems to be a method to Hamlet’s madness.

Hamlet is excited to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, but is suspicious about their visit. Hamlet is finally able to break them, and they confess that the royal couple had enlisted them to observe him.

Hamlet then delivers a monologue in which he states the reasons that the royal couple believe are responsible for his lunacy. The friends smile, confirming Hamlet’s assertion. Hamlet also goes on to lament the current state of mankind. Rosencrantz informs Hamlet that he has invited a troupe of players, Hamlet’s favorites, from the city to the castle. He believes that Hamlet might enjoy their company. Hamlet then reveals to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that his melancholy and madness are only an act.

Hamlet welcomes the drama troupe. He requests the lead player to perform a speech from Virgil’s Aeneid in which Aeneas tells Queen Dido the story of Phyrrus, whose father, Achilles, was killed in Rome. The player delivers the speech and moves himself to tears over Hecuba’s horror at seeing her husband dismembered. Hamlet orders Polonius to escort the troupe to their accommodation and take good care of them.

After this scene, Hamlet delivers another monologue in which he laments his lack of passion, his hesitation to avenge his father’s death. He feels worse that the actor is able to evoke more passion than him.

Hamlet then asks this small group of players if they can perform The Murder of Gonzago, with some plot changes introduced by Hamet. Later, he reveals his real intentions for this request. The changes in the play will mirror the tale of King Hamlet’s murder as narrated by the ghost. By observing his mother’s and Claudius’ reaction to the play, Hamlet believes he will be able to tell if the ghost had told him the truth.

Act 2, Scene 2 Analysis

This scene features important speeches and interactions. Claudius’ attempt to spy on Hamlet through Rosencrantz and Guildenstern speaks of Claudius’ fear of being caught for the crime he has committed. The peace treaty with Norway highlights the fact that Fortinbras is a young man committed to following the commands of his uncle, the current king. Polonius’ scheme involving Ophelia shows that he is willing to use his family to further his selfish interests in the court.

The conversation between Polonius and Hamlet focuses on the prince’s wit and oratory skills. Polonius comes across as intellectually inferior to Hamlet.

Hamlet’s monologues focus on the theme of death. Further, Hamlet also seems melancholic; he is grappling with the grief caused by betrayal and disloyalty. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s intention to spy on him makes Hamlet doubt those around him.

The theme of reality versus appearance is explored further when the actors reach the castle. The passion that the lead player is able to summon in his speech makes Hamlet contemplate his lack of passion to avenge his father’s death.