Act 3, Scene 1 Summary

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern share their observations of Hamlet with Claudius and Gertrude. They confirm that they have been unable to identify the cause of Hamlet’s madness. Hamlet has cleverly used wordplay to avoid giving straightforward responses to their questions. They are, however, happy to report that a theater troupe is visiting the castle and that Hamlet is taking interest in them. They request the king and queen to watch the performance.

Polonius and Claudius ask Gertrude to leave so they can spy on Hamlet and Ophelia. Gertrude seems genuinely concerned about Hamlet’s condition when she tells Ophelia that she hopes that Ophelia will be able to heal Hamlet. After she leaves, Polonius instructs Ophelia to read a prayer book and “accidentally” bump into Hamlet. Ophelia is worried that misusing a prayer book might be sinful, but later convinces herself to proceed with it.

As Ophelia waits and Claudius and Polonius prepare to watch the young lovers, Hamlet enters delivering his famous soliloquy, “to be, or not to be…” He ponders the nature of being. He is tortured by the idea of actually killing Claudius as an act of revenge. The speech reflects his conflicted state of mind.

Hamlet then sees Ophelia and requests her to pray for him. Ophelia says that she wants to return the letters and gifts she had received from him. Hamlet, however, denies having given her any gifts or having made any propositions to her. He goes on to question her honesty and virtue. Ophelia is offended and tells Hamlet that he only pretended to love her, and Hamlet agrees. Hamlet repeatedly asks Ophelia to join a nunnery and protect herself from the dishonest and vile men who surround her. Hamlet then abruptly asks her about Polonius’s whereabouts. Ophelia lies to Hamlet and tells him that Polonius is at home. Enraged, Hamlet curses Ophelia and asks her once more to spend her time in a nunnery. He says that women cannot be trusted. Ophelia laments that his integrity and nobility are lost in his current state of madness.

Ophelia is shaken and, after Hamlet leaves, Polonius and Claudius come out of hiding and comfort her. Claudius doubts that Ophelia’s rejection is the cause of Hamlet’s madness and declares that he will send Hamlet to England on a diplomatic mission. Polonius agrees to this idea, but insists that they further investigate the reasons behind Hamlet’s behavior by engaging Gertrude, the queen, in a conversation with Hamlet. Claudius makes it clear that Hamlet might pose a danger to him and must be closely watched.

Act 3, Scene 1 Analysis

Various characters in this scene appear to be concerned about Hamlet, but for different reasons. This once again underscores the theme of reality versus appearance. While Gertrude seems genuinely concerned, Polonius and Claudius’ concerns are veiled attempts to save themselves in the court.

“To be, or not to be..”, one of Shakespeare’s most popular lines, is spoken by Hamlet in this scene. In this speech, Hamlet explores the ideas of “being” and “nothingness.” He is conflicted and indecisive. He cannot decide whether he should take action or merely suffer. Hamlet fears the unknown, which makes it difficult for him to choose the most appropriate course of action.

Hamlet’s tirade against Ophelia is sexist and leaves her deeply hurt and perturbed. He refuses to acknowledge that he had sent her gifts and letters, calls her dishonest, and says that she must spend her life in a nunnery. For Ophelia, Hamlet’s behavior confirms his descent into madness. Ophelia reserves pity and sadness for Hamlet instead of righteous anger.

Act 3, Scene 2 Summary

Hamlet hands over the monologue he has composed to the troupe of actors and requests them to perform it. He then talks to them about the nature of acting, and asks them to not overdo the monologue. He wants them to be realistic in their portrayal. They promise to deliver as expected, and Hamlet ensures that the royal couple watches their performance.

Hamlet then greets Horatio warmly and tells him that he considers Horatio his true companion. Hamlet shares his plan regarding the play and Claudius with Horatio. He entrusts Horatio with the responsibility of watching Claudius and observing his reaction to the scene that reflects King Hamlet’s murder. Claudius’ reactions would determine whether or not the ghost’s story can be believed. Horatio promises to keep Hamlet’s secret safe and carry out the task entrusted to him. The audience gathers in the evening, and Hamlet laments Julius Caesar’s unfair murder when Polonius says he had performed the role of Julius Caeser in a play. Hamlet sits next to Ophelia to watch the play, refusing Gertrude’s invitation to sit beside her. Ophelia remarks on his cheery mood, and Hamlet sarcastically says that everyone seems to be very happy despite his father’s death “two hours” ago.

As the call of the trumpet marks the beginning of the play, a pantomime conveys news of the king’s murder as narrated by the ghost. It involves the following events: a man murders the king by pouring poison in his ears, and his loving wife, initially inconsolable over the king’s death, marries the murderer, who is later crowned the king. The actual play begins with a pronouncement of loyalty from the queen to the king when the king urges her to remarry after his demise. The queen passionately refuses to follow the king’s demands.

Gertrude tells Hamlet that she thinks the character of the queen is unreasonable and is protesting “too much.” Claudius asks Hamlet if the play will continue to be offensive. Hamlet says that the play is bold, and that it would not seem offensive if the audience has a clean conscience. During the scene in which the nephew pours poison into the king’s ears, Claudius gets up and leaves. Polonius asks the players to pause. All members of the audience except Horatio and Hamlet leave. Hamlet is merry and plays around with the instruments only to be informed by Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that the queen is really upset and wants to see Hamlet in her bedroom right away. Horatio and Hamlet have noticed how guilty Claudius looked when the poison scene was played out. Polonius enters and informs Hamlet that the queen wants to meet him.

Act 3, Scene 2 Analysis

This scene gives the reader an insight into Shakespeare’s world of theater and his perception of an actor’s job. Hamlet uses theater to determine the truth about Claudius’ and his mother’s involvement in King Hamlet’s murder. The pantomime and the opening scene are carefully orchestrated by Hamlet to confirm Claudius’ guilt. His comment about the audience having a clear conscience is intended to make Claudius uncomfortable. Hamlet succeeds in his plan as the play seems to have disturbed Claudius.

Act 3, Scene 3 Summary

Claudius lets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern know that they would accompany Hamlet on a journey to England to heal his madness. The pair swear their loyalty to the king of Denmark. Polonius informs the king that he will eavesdrop on the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude by hiding behind the tapestries. Claudius, in a lengthy monologue, admits to having committed the murder. He seeks forgiveness, but knows that he is being hypocritical since he is unwilling to give up the throne. He is burdened by this truth and compares it to heavy, dark baggage. Hamlet sees Claudius when he kneels to pray and contemplates using this opportunity to kill Claudius. However, he decides not to kill Claudius while he’s praying since doing so would only exempt Claudius from eternal punishment.

Act 3, Scene 3 Analysis

In this scene, Claudius finally admits to his crime and prays for forgiveness. He speaks about how burdensome his murderous actions have become and how he finds it difficult to move out of this situation. He compares himself to Cain, the Biblical character, and is unable to bring himself to seek forgiveness. In this state of fear and helplessness, he makes plans to send Hamlet off to England.

Hamlet’s decision to not kill Claudius while he prays shows his determination to ensure that Claudius meets his deserved end. This ethical and moral decision has been read by scholars as Hamlet’s indecision as well as an indication of his strong conscience.

Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Polonius hides behind a tapestry as Hamlet approaches Gertrude’s bedroom. Gertrude tells Hamlet that he has offended her and his father, Claudius, even when they have his best interests in mind. She accuses him of having forgotten that she is indeed his mother. He angrily tells her that he remembers everything, including the fact that she betrayed his father, King Hamlet.

Afraid that Hamlet might kill her, Gertrude calls out for help. On hearing Gertrude, Polonius also yells for help from behind the tapestry. Angered at being spied on, Hamlet draws his sword and kills Polonius. Gertrude is shaken, but Hamlet tells her that his deed is not as bad as murdering the king. Thereafter, Hamlet narrates all the sins that she had committed, also accusing her of lustfulness. Gertrude asks him to show some mercy and stop.

The ghost slips into the chamber and appears before Hamlet, reminding him to seek revenge. The ghost also asks him to be gentle with Gertrude. As Gertrude is unable to see the ghost, she believes that Hamlet has gone mad. Hamlet requests Gertrude to repent for her sins and not spend another night with Claudius. He also asks her to not share their conversation with Claudius. Hamlet also lets his mother know that he is aware that Claudius intends to send him to England on the pretext of diplomacy, so that he can have him killed. However, he informs her that he has a plan to outsmart Claudius. He promises to take care of Polonius’ dead body and starts dragging it out of his mother’s bedroom.

Act 3, Scene 4 Analysis

The conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet is filled with passion. We realize the anger and sadness that Hamlet carries within him and that the sadness is caused by Gertrude’s actions. Her responses hint at the fact that she is aware of Claudius’ deeds.

When Hamlet inquires whether the ghost had arrived to chastise him for delayed action, it shows that he is aware of his inaction. He realizes that he should have acted sooner and been more efficient with his plan to seek revenge. Instead, he has spent time contemplating the meaning of existence.