Hamlet- Act 3 Summary Notes- Review

 Hamlet- Act 3- Summary 

  • Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report to King Claudius on Hamlet's behavior. 
  • Claudius and Polonius listen in on Hamlet's and Ophelia's private conversation. Hamlet suspects Ophelia is spying on him and is increasingly hostile to her before leaving. 
  • The main play called "The Murder of Gonzago" is performed, causing King Claudius to react in a way which convinces Hamlet that his uncle did indeed poison his father King Hamlet as the Ghost previously had told him. 
  • King Claudius admits his growing fear of Hamlet and decides to send him overseas to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in order to protect himself.
  •  Queen Gertrude attempts to scold her son but Hamlet instead scolds his mother for her actions.
  •  Queen Gertrude cries out in fear, and Polonius echoes it and is stabbed. 
  • The Ghost reappears, telling Hamlet to be gentle with the Queen.