Act 2 Scene 2

Claudius and Gertrude are with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. These are two of Hamlet's school friends from Germany whom the King has summoned. He wants them to spy on the Prince and report back to him. Gertrude promises to pay them handsomely, and says it is for the Prince's well-being. The 'friends' agree.

Polonius enters. He claims to know the cause of Hamlet's malaise: Ophelia. Before he can explain, the ambassadors from Norway have returned and must be questioned.

Polonius exits and Gertrude dismisses Polonius' theory. She knows her son pines for his father and is against her marriage to Claudius.

Polonius returns with the ambassadors, Voltemand and Cornelius. They bring news from Norway that Denmark is safe, for now. Young Fortinbras has been restrained by his aged uncle. In return, Fortinbras wants safe passage on his way through Denmark to battle the Poles. Polonius uses this opportunity to offer his own thoughts on life & duty. He touches on the subject of the Prince, who he says is mad. Gertrude, who dislikes the adviser, dismisses him.

Before he goes, he produces a rambling letter from Hamlet to Ophelia. He claims this is proof of the Prince's love-sickness and tells, once again, of how he told his daughter to refuse the advances of the prince, which has, he believes, sent him over the edge. Polonius suggests they hide behind a tapestry when the Prince and Ophelia enter to prove him right. Claudius agrees. Before that can happen, Polonius wants to speak to Hamlet alone.

During this meeting, Hamlet still feigns insanity. His words have Polonius believe he is indeed lovesick, though their double meaning suggests that Hamlet is actually making fun of the limited adviser. Polonius leaves.

Enter Rosencrantz and Guildernstern. The Prince wonder why his friends are in Denmark, which he describes as a prison. Eventually, the two confess that they are to spy on the Prince. Hamlet is distraught by the news.

Some actors arrive. They perform a scene to cheers from those present. Afterward, Hamlet speaks with the actors alone. He tells them he wants them to perform a piece called The Murder of Gonzago. He adds that he wants to include a few extra lines to the play. The actors agree.

Alone, Hamlet explains his plan. He has been thinking. Maybe the ghost is really a demon trying to make the Prince commit an unjust murder. Recreating the poisoning of Old Hamlet, within the play, should draw a response from Claudius, if he is guilty. 'The play's the thing to catch the conscience of the king'.

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At Elsinore, a ghost appears. This is the spirit of the murdered King, who charges his son with avenging his death. The killer is Hamlet's own uncle, Claudius, who has married the Queen and usurped the throne.