Hamlet by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online Page A

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    Lines 119–207: Horatio and Marcellus find Hamlet and question him, but he reveals nothing except that “There’s ne’er a villain dwelling in all Denmark / But he’s an arrant knave,” a statement that is both true and meaningless, showing the ambiguity of language and Hamlet’s control over it. Hamlet asks his companions to swear on his sword that they will never reveal what they have seen that night. The voice of the Ghost repeats “swear,” and Horatio and Marcellus do so. Hamlet’s disjointed speech reveals his state of mind as he thinks about what he has heard. Establishing the theme of sanity/madness, he hints that he may in the future pretend to bemad: “put an antic disposition on,” and asks them not to reveal what they know, whatever happens.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
    Polonius sends Reynaldo to Paris with messages and money for his son, but tells him that first he is to spy on Laertes and spread rumors about him to the effect that he is “very wild.” Ironically, he explains the purpose behind these lies is to discover the truth about Laertes’ behavior. He shows Reynaldo how to subtly generate rumors, demonstrating the potential distance between words and truth. The conversation reveals tensions in the characterization of Polonius: his instructions to Reynaldo show cunning, but the reason for them seems nonsensical and foolish. The latter aspect to his character is emphasized by his long-windedness and temporary forgetfulness mid-speech, requiring Reynaldo to “prompt” him in a moment that becomes almost metatheatrical. Reynaldo leaves and Ophelia enters, telling Polonius that she has been “affrighted” by Hamlet, who appeared in her chamber half-dressed and looking “As if he had been loosèd out of hell.” She reports that Hamlet did not speak, but just held her arm and stared at her face. Polonius decides that Hamlet has gone mad with love for Ophelia and goes to tell Claudius.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–89: Claudius greets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, former schoolfellows of Hamlet. He explains that he is worried about Hamlet and suggests that they might spend time with him and find out whether there is anything “unknown” afflicting him. Although Claudius presents this as kindly concern, revealing his capacity as an “actor,” we are reminded of Polonius’ attempts to spy on Laertes. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to help, and are taken to find Hamlet. Polonius brings the news that the ambassadors have arrived back from Norway and adds that he has found the “very cause of Hamlet’s lunacy.” He insists that Claudius sees the ambassadors first, however, and goes to fetch them. The ambassadors report that the king of Norway believed Fortinbras was preparing for war on Poland,but found out that it was really against Denmark. He ordered Fortinbras to cease plotting against Denmark and genuinely prepare to fight Poland. The king of Norway sends a request that Claudius will grant him “quiet pass” through his lands, and Claudius promises to consider it.
    Lines 90–227: Despite declaring that he will be brief, Polonius embarks on a lengthy and rambling explanation of Hamlet’s madness that demonstrates his obsequious attitude to the king and queen. He reads out a love letter from Hamlet to Ophelia and explains that he instructed Ophelia not to encourage Hamlet because of the difference in their status. He explains that Hamlet’s madness stems from being “repulsèd” by Ophelia. Claudius and Gertrude ask Polonius if he is certain and he offers to prove it, suggesting a plan: he will “loose” Ophelia to Hamlet, and then hide behind an arras with Claudius to watch the encounter. His choice of vocabulary reduces Ophelia to the level of an animal, demonstrating her powerlessness and her status as one her father’s possessions. Claudius agrees to the plan and, as Hamlet enters, he and Gertrude leave. Polonius greets Hamlet, who appears not to recognize him. Hamlet’s disjointed