ACT III, SCENE 1

Notes

This scene is filled with irony, as it develops both the plot and theme of the play. It is revealed that Claudius has begun to consider Hamlet a formidable threat, suspecting that the Prince might suspect his villainy. He skillfully attempts to disguise his fear and pretends to have a genuine concern about his nephew's well being. Ironically, Hamlet, who has begun to doubt the ghost's reliability, is less sure about Claudius' villainy, while Claudius grows more worried about his exposure. No one seems to be sure what is real and what is appearance.

Hamlet's most famous speech takes place in this scene as he ponders the value of suicide. The essence of his soliloquy is that it is cowardly to live cautiously and risk nothing, but brave to court death and take action. He believes his own hesitation comes from a fear of the consequences; yet he is miserable and filled with guilt and shame over his failure to act in killing either Claudius or himself. His subsequent encounter with Ophelia in the nunnery scene is painfully sweet. He is overcome with her beauty and his affection for her, but frustrated by the fact that he cannot communicate his love to her because of his feigned madness. The obedient Ophelia, doing her father's bidding, returns Hamlet's gifts; in return, he treats her cruelly. Whether Hamlet is genuinely striking out at her or merely acting his part is not clear, but his responses contain calculated meanness. Many critics believe that Hamlet realizes that Polonius and Claudius have a part in Ophelia's actions; as a result, his cruelty is a result of his sense of betrayal.

It is important to note that there is double meaning in the word "nunnery" when Hamlet tells Ophelia to go to one. In Elizabethan times, a nunnery often referred to a brothel. Such a meaning would be consistent with Hamlet's attack on Ophelia's character. On the other hand, there is the very real suggestion that Hamlet, still deeply in love with the innocent Ophelia, wants to protect her and send her away from the evil world of Denmark. Once again the theme of appearance vs. reality comes into play.

Finally, the plot begins to move rapidly toward its dramatic climax in this scene. Claudius, wanting to free himself of Hamlet's threat, resolves to send him to England on the pretense of finding a cure for him there. The egotistical Polonius is still, however, convinced he can find out the real reason for Hamlet's madness and begs the king to allow Gertrude to question her son. Claudius probably agrees to Polonius' plan because he wishes to put on an appearance of being genuinely concerned about the Prince's well being; in reality he is consumed with thoughts of his own survival.

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