Act 2, Scene 2 Overview (Part 1)

This is a tough one so bare with me....

The scene opens with Claudius, Gertrude, and two new characters: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, both close friends of Hamlet since they were young. Claudius and Gertrude ask for their assistance in finding out what is wrong with Hamlet.

As they are off to find Hamlet, Polonius comes in telling Claudius that he thinks he knows why Hamlet is acting strange and says he will tell him what he thinks after the ambassadors, who just returned from Norway, speak with Claudius.

Voltemand and Cornelius report to Claudius that the King of Norway thought that young Fortinbras was assembling soldiers against Poland, not Denmark, and ordered his arrest immidiately when he found out his true intentions. Fortinbras then swore he would never threaten Denmark again. Norway's King was pleased at this, and told Fortinbras he can move troops into Poland, and asks if it was ok by Claudius if the Norway troops could pass through Denmark. Voltemand gives Claudius the document and he replys saying he will look it over later after dinner. Voltenmand and Cornelius exit.

Polonius begins by telling Claudius and Gertrude that he will not waste their time and get right to the point, but by saying this he does indeed waste their time and Gertrude tells him to get to the point (this is another time where Polonius does opposite of his word. the first was when he told Laertes to be honest and then sent Reynaldo to spy on him). Polonious then goes on to read a part of the letter that Hamlet gave to Ophelia who, by her father's demands, gave it to Polonius. Polonius then goes on to ask what Claudius thought of him (reoccurence of Polonius' strive for image). Claudies says he sees him as honorable, and Polonius puts his reputation on the line saying that the reason Hamlet has gone mad is because Ophelia is rejecting Hamlet on his orders.

Polonius then devises a plan to see if he is right. He will have Ophelia meet with Hamlet and Polonius and Claudius will spy on them to see if Hamlet truly loves her (another time proving Polonius' dishonesty).

Hamlet then comes in and Polonius asks Gertrude and Claudius to leave so he can talk to Hamlet alone.

I'll finish up the scene in my next post. Sorry if you want more, this part of the text is very tough.