Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2 summary
Act 2, Scene 2 of 20 · 22 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 2, the King recruits Hamlet’s friends to investigate his changed behavior, while Polonius proposes testing whether rejected love causes his distress. After an actor’s emotional performance exposes his own lack of action, Hamlet arranges a play resembling his father’s murder to test his uncle’s guilt rather than trust the spirit alone.
What happens
- The King and Queen enlist Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to discover what troubles Hamlet.
- The ambassadors report that Norway stops Fortinbras from attacking Denmark and requests passage for his campaign against the Polish king.
- Polonius presents Hamlet’s love letter and proposes secretly watching him meet Ophelia.
- Hamlet mocks Polonius, makes his friends admit they are summoned, and describes his loss of pleasure.
- Visiting actors perform a speech about Priam’s death, and Hamlet requests a performance with an added speech.
- Alone, Hamlet condemns his inaction and decides to observe his uncle during a play resembling his father’s murder.
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In this scene
What to notice
Hamlet turns self-reproach into a specific plan. He chooses to test the King’s reaction instead of relying solely on the spirit.
Quick check
Why does Hamlet arrange a performance resembling his father’s murder?
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