ACT 2.2
In this scene the king and queen call upon Rosencrantz and Guilderstern, Hamlet’s childhood friends, to find the reason for Hamlet’s madness. They both meet up with Hamlet and Hamlet goes on about how Denmark is a prison and they think differently. Hamlet asks them why they came and Rosencrantz says to visit him, but Hamlet knows the king sent for them. He questions them three more times and after they say no they finally confess. Hamlet gets upset and now knows that he cannot trust them. Rosencrantz and Guilderstern brought the players to the mansion so they could perform the play to lighten the sorrowful mood that hangs about the castle.
ACT 3.1
In this scene Rosencrantz and Guilderstern go to the king and queen and tell them that they could not find out why Hamlet was acting like he was insane. They tell of his prying of why they came and that they told Hamlet the reason. The king tells Rosencrantz and Guilderstern to keep at him and not to report back until they have a reason.
ACT 3.2
In this scene the play “mousetrap” is performed. First Hamlet is ranting on the stage and Rosencrantz and Guilderstern tell him that the players are ready. After the play is through Rosencrantz and Guilderstern tell Hamlet that the king is angry with him and that the queen wishes to speak to him. Hamlet getting frustrated starts calling Guilderstern a liar. Then Polonius enters to get Hamlet to go see his mother immediately.
Act 3.3
In this scene the king tells Rosencrantz and Guilderstern to take Hamlet to England so he can be executed. The king tells them not to delay. They accept and leave to look for Hamlet. The king goes to the church to pray and ask for forgiveness for his sins. Hamlet watches and passes up his chance to kill the king.
Act 4.2
In this scene Rosencrantz and Guilderstern take Hamlet into their custody and ask him where he hid the body of Polonius. Hamlet speaks only in riddles. Hamlet refuses to tell them, but tells them to take him to the king.
Act 4.3
In this scene Rosencrantz and Guilderstern bring Hamlet to the king and tell the king that they cannot get Hamlet to confess where he hid the body. After much questioning from the king and much rambling from Hamlet, Hamlet finally tells the king where he will smell Polonius after many months of rotting. Hamlet is then sent on his way to England.
Act 4.4
In this scene when Rosencrantz and Guilderstern are on their way to their ship to England they run into Fortinbras’ army. Hamlet delays Rosencrantz and Guilderstern by asking the Capitan many questions about why they have come to Denmark. Rosencrantz gets antsy and tells Hamlet they must be on their way. Hamlet tells them to go ahead a bit so they leave him to rant once more.
Act 5.2
In this scene, the last scene, we find out that Hamlet had Rosencrantz and Guilderstern killed on their arrival in England. Hamlet then fights Laertes and they die by the same poisoned sword, while the king and queen are poisoned, leaving Horatio the only living soul.
Information from:
Hamlet, William Shakespeare and other related readings
McDougal Littell; Evanston, Illinois
Copyright 1997
