Hamlet Act 3 Reading Questions

1. Does Hamlet behave differently toward Ophelia than Polonius and Laertes? How does he treat her during the “Mousetrap” play that the players perform?

Hamlet treats Ophelia like she is already (very) impure, while her brother and father act as though she is only on her way there if she keeps fooling around with Hamlet. However, at the "Mousetrap" play, he is very vulgar towards her, despite him being the one calling her promiscuous.

2. What is the point of the play Hamlet calls “The Mousetrap” (The Murder of Gonzago)? What are the differences between this version of a king’s murder and that which we have been told of in Hamlet?



The point of the play is to gauge Claudius' reaction to the events that take place (namely, the murder) in order to prove in front of witnesses that he is truly what the Ghost said, the killer of the late king. However, differences between "The Mousetrap" and supposed reality include a more sympathetic opinion of royal remarriage and the fact that it's an Italian (rather than Danish) tale.

3. At the end of 3.2, Hamlet “could drink hot blood” (360) as he goes off to visit his mother. On the way, he finds the King in prayer. Why does he not slay him in this moment (3.3.77 ff.)?

Hamlet wants to kill Claudius while he's not being pious and has a shot at going to Heaven like his father, rather when he is being immoral so "his soul may be as damned and black/As hell whereto it goes".

4. What is the intended purpose of Hamlet’s visit to his mother’s chamber? How does he turn the tables on her? What instructions does he give to her?

The intended purpose is for him to pour out his feelings/the reasoning for his "madness" to her so she can report back to Claudius and company. Hamlet instead reams into his mother for marrying and having sex with her husband's brother (and her own brother-in-law), telling her not to sleep with Claudius that night or ever again as well as to repent for her sins.

5. What happens to Polonius during the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude? Who else barges in on their conversation?

Polonius gets stabbed through the tapestry by Hamlet who (rightfully) believes there is an eavesdropper on the conversation. The Ghost also pops in to tell Hamlet to lay off of Gertrude, who is frightened enough already.

6. At the end of act 3, Hamlet reminds his mother that he has been sent on a foreign mission by the King (this resolution comes in 3.1) Where is he going? Why does Hamlet think he is being sent away?

Hamlet is being sent to England on "diplomatic business" with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, but Hamlet thinks he is being sent away with the two men to be foolish somewhere far away from the crown.