Claudius Act 2

4. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's childhood friends, have been called to the castle by the King and Queen. Claudius tells them why they were called and what they are to do.

KING
Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Moreover that we much did long to see you,
The need we have to use you did provoke
Our hasty sending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation, so call it,
Sith nor th' exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be,
More than it was. What it should be,
More than his father's death, that thus hath put him
So much from th' understanding of himself
I cannot dream of. I entreat you both
That, being of so young days brought up with him
And sith so neighbored to his youth and havior,
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time, so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather
So much as from occasion you glean,
Whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus
That, opened, lies within our remedy (2.2.1-19)

In Act 2 Scene 2, Claudius shows his true character. Whereas in act 1, he acted as though he cared for Hamlet, it was just that: an act. He is no longer concerned with being political, he now wants to see why Hamlet is acting crazy. He is sneaking around and being secretive. He first calls upon Hamlet's childhood friends to get them to stay with him. He wants them to spy on Hamlet to find out what it truly wrong.

---

5. Polonius told Ophelia that he would tell the King of his concerns about Hamlet for her safety, but he and the King make a different plan.

KING
How may we try it further?

POLONIUS
You know sometimes he walks four hours together
Here in the lobby.

QUEEN
So he does indeed.

POLONIUS
At such time I'll loose my daughter to him.
[To the King] Be you and I behind an arras then.
Mark the encounter. If he love her not,
And be not from his reason fall'n thereon,
Let me be no assistant for a state,
But keep a farm and carters.

KING
We will try it. (2.2.172-182)

Instead of trying to protect Ophelia as he said he would, Polonius offers to have his daughter talk to Hamlet to see his true thoughts. He basically is selling off his daughter to Claudius (as Hamlet later points out). Claudius is acting evil and snake-like (as Old Hamlet's ghost said he was in act 1 scene 2). He will do anything to get inside Hamlet's thoughts. Claudius might be starting to get worried about Hamlet's intentions, seeing that there might be a risk for him.