Hamlet Act 2 Scene 1 Notes

Background Time has passed… how do we know? Laertes has established a reputation: “make inquiry/ Of his behaviour” ( ) Ophelia has returned Hamlet’s letters: “I did repel his letters and denied/ His access to me” ( )

Polonius Wants Reynaldo to spy on Laertes indirectly Wants him to ask others about Laertes and to suggest things about him to find out what he has been doing Doesn’t want Reynaldo to dishonor Laertes: “and there put on him/ What forgeries you please; marry, none so rank/ As may dishonour him;” ( )

Polonius Concerned about reputation Suspicious of his son Crafty, not truly an evil villain Shabby morality

Polonius Incoherent and long-winded May be senile Misreads the situation: “Mad for thy love!” (2.1.85) Thinks Hamlet is acting strangely because his love for Ophelia has driven him crazy

Hamlet’s Behaviour Appears to Ophelia, jacket entirely unlaced, hatless, dirty stockings, ungartered and down around his ankles Piteous expression on his face Doesn’t speak to Ophelia, only sighs

Ophelia’s Reaction Frightened by Hamlet Upset Thinks Hamlet is mad for her love Has to tell her father what happened

Hamlet’s Behaviour: Why? Is he pretending to be mad? (antic disposition)? May he really be mad (from the experience with the ghost)?

Hamlet’s Behaviour: Why? Mad for love? How does he really feel about Ophelia? Beginning of Hamlet’s disruption

To Consider: A few months have passed between the last scene and this scene Is Hamlet any closer to getting revenge? Is Hamlet sane or not? There will be many references to Hamlet’s sanity and insanity in the play; you must come to your own conclusion about whether Hamlet is sane or not.