Jul 24, 2008

Hamlet | Act III, Scene 3 Summary and Analysis

Summary
Claudius enters with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern; Claudius is convinced that Hamlet, in his “madness,” means to harm him in some way. He proposes to send Hamlet to England, along with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, for safety’s sake. They agree, noting that the fortunes of “Majesty” always affect the lives of many others besides itself. This voyage is to commence at once.

Polonius enters to inform Claudius that Hamlet is on his way to Gertrude’s private room; Polonius announces that he will hide “behind the arras,” in order to “o’erhear” their...