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Why are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern invited to Elsinore by the King and Queen?
Quick answer:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are invited to Elsinore by King Claudius and Queen Gertrude to observe Hamlet and uncover the cause of his erratic behavior. Claudius is particularly interested in obtaining information, while Gertrude hopes to help her son. They are tasked with cheering Hamlet and subtly discovering his troubles, reporting back so the royal couple can address his issues. The queen promises rewards for their assistance.
The king and queen have invited Hamlet's friends from Wittenberg University, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to Elsinore because they want them to keep an eye on Hamlet and try to figure out what has him acting so strangely. They also, of course, want those friends to inform on Hamlet to them. Claudius's motives are especially suspect, though Gertrude likely just wants to help her son feel better. Claudius tells the young men,
To draw [Hamlet] on to pleasures, and to gather
So much as from occasion you may glean,
Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus
That, opened, lies within our remedy (2.2.15–18).
In other words, the king tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to help Hamlet have a little fun, and then, when it will not seem out of place, they should ask Hamlet what afflicts, or saddens, him. Then, they should report on those conversations to the king and queen so that they can remedy, or help to fix, whatever is ailing Hamlet. The queen even says that they will reward Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for this service.
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