Hamlet Act 2 Overview

Hamlet Act 2 Overview

• Reynaldo is Polonius's servant, tasked with spying on Laertes in France.
• Hamlet's antic disposition begins when he enters Ophelia's room, marking the start of his feigned madness.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's childhood friends, are employed by King Claudius to observe Hamlet's behavior.
• Polonius suspects Hamlet's madness stems from his love for Ophelia, leading to various manipulative schemes.
• Ophelia has been advised by her father Polonius to avoid Hamlet, which adds strain to their relationship.
• A letter from Norway indicates that Fortinbras has diverted his military ambitions toward Poland, needing Claudius's permission to pass through Denmark.
• The Queen’s remark "More matter with less art" expresses her frustration with Polonius's long-winded explanations.
• Polonius reads Hamlet's love letters to Ophelia in front of the royal court as supposed proof of Hamlet's love.
• To test Polonius's theory, he plans to hide with Claudius behind curtains to eavesdrop on Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia.
• Polonius observes Hamlet's behavior and remarks on the existence of method in what appears to be madness.

Hamlet's Reflections

• Hamlet expresses feelings of entrapment, stating "Denmark's a prison," and reveals his initial intent to return to school in France.
• The quote "For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" highlights Hamlet's perception-driven worldview.
• Hamlet delivers a profound monologue on humanity, portraying the contradictions of human nature and expressing disdain for people, particularly women.
• He transitions from a general dislike of humanity to specific grievances against Claudius, Gertrude, and Ophelia, reflecting his melancholic disposition.

Interactions and Dynamics

• Hamlet treats the visiting players with kindness and respect, emphasizing his regard for their artistry and lack of class distinction.
• In contrast, Polonius is dismissive toward the players, illustrating his self-importance and condescension.
• Hamlet advises the players to "use them after your own honor and dignity," encouraging mutual respect in their craft.
• The play within the play is titled "The Murder of Gonzago," which Hamlet intends to use to gauge King Claudius's guilt through his reaction.

Hamlet's Internal Conflict

• In soliloquy number 2, Hamlet grapples with procrastination and his tragic flaw, recognizing the urgency to act against Claudius.
• He ponders the impact of theater on guilt, believing that watching the play will reveal the truth about Claudius's actions and validate the ghost's claims.
• The line "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" encapsulates Hamlet’s plan to provoke Claudius into revealing his guilt.

Polonius’s Characterization

• Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to spy on Laertes, demonstrating his controlling and distrustful nature as a father.
• This action showcases Polonius's character as nosy and overly concerned with appearances.

Ophelia's Observations

• Ophelia describes Hamlet's disturbed state, noting his pale visage and dark clothing, signaling his deep distress and the impact of his father’s death and his mother’s remarriage on his mental health.