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Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 3 summary

Act 3, Scene 3 of 20 · 4 min to read the scene

In Act 3, Scene 3, the King orders Hamlet sent to England, admits murdering his brother, and struggles to pray while keeping the rewards of his crime. Hamlet finds him kneeling but postpones revenge because he fears sending him to heaven, unaware that the King's prayer lacks sincerity.

What happens

  1. The King orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to prepare to accompany Hamlet to England because he considers Hamlet dangerous.
  2. Polonius plans to hide behind a tapestry and listen while Hamlet speaks with his mother.
  3. Alone, the King admits murdering his brother and questions whether forgiveness is possible while he keeps his crown and queen.
  4. The King kneels, and Hamlet enters with an opportunity to kill him.
  5. Hamlet decides that killing a praying man rewards rather than punishes him, so he waits for a sinful moment.
  6. After Hamlet leaves, the King admits that his words cannot reach heaven without sincere thoughts.

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In this scene

HamletThe KingPoloniusTheme: Appearance and truth

What to notice

The King admits that outward prayer does not reflect inward repentance. Hamlet spares him on the mistaken assumption that kneeling means spiritual readiness.

Quick check

Why does Hamlet decide not to kill the King while he kneels?

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