Act 1, p. 34-53 Summary

There is a lighting change, and the scene now appears to be interior rather than exterior. Ophelia runs on stage, followed by Hamlet. The twp do not speak. Hamlet's clothing is disarrayed, and he seems frightened with his knees knocking together. Hamlet is holding Ophelia by the arm and staring into her face, sighing loudly. Then he releases her and leaves the stage, but without taking his eyes off of her. Ophelia runs off in the opposite direction.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have frozen at this sight; but Guildenstern reacts first and jumps at Rosencrantz. Before they can run, Claudius and Gertrude enter with servants in attendance. Claudius welcomes Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who hastily straighten their clothing. Claudius invites Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to try to figure out what is bothering Hamlet. Claudius knows they were boy-hood friends, and he wants...