Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 1 summary

What happens

1. Polonius gives Reynaldo money and letters, instructing him to question Danish people in Paris before visiting his son.
2. He tells Reynaldo to invent minor accusations and watch whether others confirm them, despite Reynaldo’s concern about damaging the son’s reputation.
3. Reynaldo leaves with instructions to observe the son’s habits and encourage his music practice.
4. Ophelia enters frightened and describes Hamlet’s disordered clothes, tight grip, searching stare, deep sigh, and silent departure.
5. Ophelia explains that she refuses Hamlet’s letters and visits under Polonius’s orders.
6. Polonius blames frustrated love, regrets his suspicions, and leaves with Ophelia to inform the King.

In this scene

What to notice

The image sums up his method of investigation. He treats deception as a useful tool for discovering another person’s conduct.

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