User:Skooma2112
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Hamlet Act III
Act III Scene I
This scene has the King and Polonius spying on Hamlet, who eventually decide he must away to England. Hamlet also says his most famous soliloquy "To be or not to be" in this scene. Hamlet also confronts Ophelia. The significance of this scene is apparent, it sets up the later scenes of Hamlet going to England, his conflict with Ophelia and the most famous soliloquy.
"We are oft to blame in this,-- 'Tis too much proved--that with devotion's visage And pious action we do sugar o'er The devil himself." (Line 44-49) I find this a very true statement. Politicians and some religious figures make themselves appear to be righteous but are in fact doing the devil's work.
Ophelia seems too obedient to her father, she knows he is a prattlingly windbag but obeys him anyway. I assume this is due to the Elizabethan value of obeying the father and later the husband.
Act III Scene II
In this scene the play occurs. The play which gives Hamlet his casus belli against Claudius and sets into motion the final massacre in earnest. "If she should break it now!" Hamlet is obviously cynical on the nature of marriage, especially royal marriage. Hamlet is obviously very excited about implicating Claudius but his enthusiasm gives away his plan to Claudius. Realistically Claudius would catch wind of this and either have Hamlet killed immediately or hold his guilt for later. As for Claudius he clearly feels guilty, though I wonder why he decided to leave in the middle of the play and effectively end it, not one for subtlety is he?
Act III Scene III Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are brought into service of the king so they can accompany Hamlet to England. Claudius admits his guilt when he think he is alone. Hamlet sees this and postpones revenge to ensure his damnation. This scene is important as it establishes the later scenes on the ship, and it proves to Hamlet that Claudius is indeed guilty.
