Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1 summary
Act 3, Scene 1 of 20 · 7 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 1, the King and Polonius secretly watch Hamlet meet Ophelia, while Hamlet reflects on death and then harshly rejects her. The King doubts that love or madness explains Hamlet's behavior, decides to send him to England, and agrees to another hidden observation during a conversation with his mother.
What happens
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report Hamlet's evasiveness and his pleasure at the actors' arrival; the King agrees to attend the performance.
- The King and Polonius arrange an apparently accidental meeting with Ophelia and hide to observe Hamlet.
- Hamlet weighs life's suffering against death, explaining how uncertainty about what follows death prevents action.
- Ophelia offers his keepsakes back, but Hamlet denies his gifts and love, attacks women's behavior, and repeatedly urges a convent.
- Ophelia mourns what she sees as Hamlet's ruined reason, while the King judges his behavior dangerous rather than merely lovesick.
- The King orders Hamlet to England and accepts Polonius's proposal to overhear the Queen questioning him after the play.
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In this scene
What to notice
Hamlet connects inward reflection with hesitation. The line sums up his argument that thought can stop determined action.
Quick check
What does the King decide after overhearing Hamlet and Ophelia?
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