Act 3, Scene 2
Hamlet warns the players not to overdo their upcoming performance. The Prince commends Horatio for his honesty and asks him to closely watch King Claudius during the play. If Claudius appears uncomfortable during the murder scene, Hamlet and Horatio will both know that the Ghost was truthful and that Claudius is guilty. The royal audience enters and Hamlet resumes his insanity.
The play entitled "The Murder of Gonzago", also referred to as "The Mousetrap" by Hamlet, depicts the murder of Duke Gonzago in Vienna. A villain named Lucianus pours poison into Gonzago's ear and woos his widowed duchess, Baptista. Horrified, King Claudius abruptly interrupts the performance and hastily departs. Horatio and Hamlet are convinced of Claudius' guilt in the murder of King Hamlet.
Guildenstern tells Hamlet that King Claudius is greatly agitated and that Queen Gertrude wishes to speak with him privately. A musician enters with a recorder. Continuing with his insanity act, Hamlet chastises his false friend Guildenstern for "playing" him as he would an instrument.
"'Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me, you would seem to know my stops, you would pluck out the heart of my mystery, you would sound me from my lowest note to the top of my compass; and there is much music, excellent voice in this little organ, yet cannot you make it speak. 'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me.'" Act 3, Scene 2, lines 341-354
At Polonius' urging, Hamlet finally agrees to visit his mother. The Prince vows to treat her harshly, but to refrain from harming her, saying, "'Let me be cruel, not unnatural. / I will speak daggers to her, but use none.'" Act 3, Scene 2, lines 365-366
Topic Tracking: Spying 5
Topic Tracking: Disease 4
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