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Analysis Of Act 3 Scene 1 Of Hamlet

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Act 3 Scene I
Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern enter. Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern if they have learned anything about Hamlet's melancholy. They say they have not found the reasons yet mention that Hamlet is excited about the play tonight; this news causes Claudius to agree to attend the performance. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern exit. Polonius and Claudius enact their plan for Ophelia's and Hamlet's meeting. They tell Ophelia to pretend she is reading a book, and then they both hide behind a tapestry. Hamlet enters and gives his "To be or not to be" soliloquy. In this soliloquy, he contemplates whether or not he should end his life, trying to decide if he wants to lose the “name of action.” Afterwards, Hamlet sees Ophelia. They reminisce about when the two of them were romatically involced. Hamlet then questions Ophelia's honesty and offensively says, "Get thee to a nunnery," because he believes Ophelia needs to control her lust. Hamlet exits the scene, leaving Ophelia heartbroken. Claudius and Polonius come out of hiding. Claudius says he does not believe Hamlet is mad because of Ophelia; he does not believe Hamlet is mad at all but simply tormented for an unknown reason. The king decides to send Hamlet to England on a diplomatic quest in order to keep him out of trouble. Polonius agrees with this plan but still believes Hamlet's malady is due to his feelings toward Ophelia. Polonius comforts his daughter. As Claudius

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