Act 3, Scene 1, Hamlet Summary

Scene 1 - When questioned by Claudius and Gertrude, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say they have noticed Hamlet's occasional strange behavior and have tried to find out what's causing it, but add that he's not giving them any explanations. They also say that he was happy when he learned of the arrival of the players and that he hoped Claudius and Gertrude would watch the performance with him. They agree to do so, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern go. Claudius and Gertrude then turn to Polonius and Ophelia, who are also in the room, and finalize their plans to bring Hamlet and Ophelia together so that Claudius and Polonius, concealed, can watch Hamlet's behavior. Gertrude goes, saying that she hopes it's true that Ophelia's beauty is the cause of Hamlet's madness. Meanwhile, Polonius gives Ophelia a book to read, commenting that "with...