In Act 2 of Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet, the plot thickens and tensions rise as the characters are further drawn into the web of deceit and betrayal. This act is filled with iconic quotes that reveal the complex nature of the characters and the intricacies of the plot. From Hamlet’s contemplations on the nature of man to Polonius’ humorous and wise observations, the second act of Hamlet is a treasure trove of memorable lines.
One of the most well-known quotes from Act 2 comes from Hamlet himself. In his famous soliloquy, he muses, “What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable…” These lines reflect Hamlet’s deep introspection and contemplation on the nature of humanity. They also foreshadow his later actions and his struggle to reconcile his own desires with the corrupt world around him.
Another notable quote from Act 2 is spoken by Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain. When counseling his son Laertes, he imparts this famous advice: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend.” This wise counsel speaks to the dangers of financial transactions and warns against getting entangled in the complexities of borrowing and lending. Polonius’ character is known for his wit and wisdom, and this quote is a prime example.
The second act of Hamlet is filled with many other memorable lines and quotes. From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s cryptic conversation with Hamlet to Ophelia’s heartbreaking declaration, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be,” the words spoken by these characters are both poetic and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Act 2 of Hamlet offers a wealth of key quotes that illuminate the depths of Shakespeare’s characters and the intricate plot of the play. From Hamlet’s introspections to Polonius’ wise counsel, these quotes are a testament to the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s writing and the enduring relevance of his works.
Summary of Act 2 Scene 1 in Hamlet
The second act of William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, opens with Polonius instructing Reynaldo to investigate Laertes’ behavior in Paris. Polonius wants Reynaldo to find out what Laertes is doing, who he associates with, and to gather any information that could be used to tarnish Laertes’ reputation.
After Reynaldo leaves, Ophelia enters and tells her father about the strange encounter she had with Hamlet. She explains that Hamlet came into her room looking disheveled and behaving in a disturbing manner. Polonius concludes that Hamlet’s strange behavior is due to his love for Ophelia and decides to inform the king.
The scene transitions to Claudius and Gertrude discussing the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have arrived. Claudius plans to use these childhood friends of Hamlet to figure out the cause of his madness. Polonius enters and informs the king and queen about Hamlet’s visit to Ophelia. The queen wants to see Hamlet, hoping that her presence will calm him.
Before Polonius leaves, he requests permission to take a book to Gertrude. Claudius and Gertrude grant his request, and the king and queen exit. Polonius gives some advice to his servant, Reynaldo, about how to gather information discreetly and sends him off to Paris.
In this scene, the audience sees the manipulative side of Polonius as he instructs Reynaldo to spy on his own son. Additionally, the scene reveals the concern and confusion surrounding Hamlet’s behavior, further building suspense and setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy.
Overview of Act 2 Scene 2 in Hamlet
Act 2 Scene 2 of Hamlet, also known as the “play within a play” scene, is a pivotal moment in the play. It takes place in the Castle of Elsinore, where Hamlet has arranged for a group of traveling actors to perform a play called “The Murder of Gonzago.”
In this scene, Hamlet reveals his plan to catch his uncle, King Claudius, who he believes is responsible for his father’s death. He asks the actors to perform a scene that closely mirrors the circumstances of his father’s murder, hoping to elicit a guilty reaction from Claudius.
Hamlet’s soliloquy in this scene is one of the most famous and important speeches in the play. He reflects on the nature of theater and its power to reveal the truth. He also expresses his own inner turmoil and doubts about his ability to carry out his plan for revenge.
Throughout the scene, there is tension and suspense as the play is performed and Hamlet watches Claudius closely for any sign of guilt. Ultimately, Claudius’s reaction confirms Hamlet’s suspicions and sets the stage for the rest of the play.
This scene highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality, as Hamlet uses a play to uncover the truth and expose the hypocrisy of the royal court. It also showcases Hamlet’s intelligence and strategic thinking, as he devises a plan to reveal his uncle’s guilt and seeks justice for his father’s murder.
Overall, Act 2 Scene 2 is a crucial turning point in the play, as it marks the beginning of Hamlet’s quest for revenge and sets the stage for the ensuing tragedy.
Significant Dialogues from Act 2 Scene 3 in Hamlet
Act 2 Scene 3 of Hamlet features several significant dialogues that contribute to the overall themes and character development in the play. The scene takes place in a room in the castle, where Polonius, the chief counselor to the king, is giving advice to his servant, Reynaldo, on how to spy on Laertes, Polonius’ son, who is in Paris.
One significant dialogue in this scene is between Polonius and Reynaldo. Polonius instructs Reynaldo on his mission, urging him to subtly inquire about Laertes’ behavior and reputation in Paris. Polonius wants to gather information about his son’s actions and friends, as he believes it will help him understand and protect Laertes. This dialogue highlights Polonius’ tendency to be manipulative and controlling, as he uses Reynaldo as a means to spy on his own son.
Another significant dialogue occurs when Polonius speaks to himself after Reynaldo’s departure. He reflects on his own advice to Reynaldo and reveals his belief that people are often deceived by their own actions. This soliloquy provides insight into Polonius’ character, showing his tendency to overanalyze situations and justify his own manipulative behavior. It also foreshadows the theme of deception that runs throughout the play.
The dialogue between Polonius and Reynaldo, as well as Polonius’ subsequent soliloquy, contributes to the themes of deception, manipulation, and the struggle for power and control in Hamlet. It also provides further insight into Polonius’ character, portraying him as a cunning and complex individual.
Overall, Act 2 Scene 3 is a significant turning point in the play, as it sets the stage for the subsequent events and reveals the true nature of certain characters. The dialogues in this scene contribute to the development of these characters and the overall themes of the play.
Notable Quotes from Act 2 Scene 4 in Hamlet
1. “I will not speak with her.”
This quote is said by Hamlet to Polonius when asked if he wants to speak with Ophelia. It shows Hamlet’s growing distrust and rejection of Ophelia, as well as his brooding and melancholic state of mind.
2. “And with his former title greet Macbeth.”
Rosencrantz says this line when discussing the arrival of a group of actors with Hamlet. It is a reference to Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” and suggests a humorous moment in the midst of the play’s tragic events.
3. “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!”
This famous soliloquy by Hamlet occurs in Act 2 Scene 4. It showcases Hamlet’s self-doubt and self-criticism. He sees himself as a coward and failure, unable to take decisive action like the actors who can evoke strong emotions on stage.
4. “I will speak daggers to her, but use none.”
Hamlet says this line when he plans to confront his mother, Queen Gertrude. It reveals his intention to use harsh words to express his disapproval, but not to physically harm her. It highlights his conflicted feelings towards his mother and the need for emotional release.
5. “Oh, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven.”
This quote is spoken by Claudius in Act 2 Scene 4, reflecting on his guilt for murdering his brother, King Hamlet. It demonstrates Claudius’s realization of the severity of his crime and the consequences he will face in the afterlife.
6. “These words like daggers enter in my ears.”
Queen Gertrude utters this line in response to Hamlet’s harsh words and accusations. It conveys her anguish and distress as she is wounded by Hamlet’s sharp criticism. It also foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold later in the play.
7. “This is the impostume of much wealth and peace, that inward breaks and shows no cause without why the man dies.”
This line is spoken by Hamlet to illustrate his observation about the outward appearances of a country’s wealth and peace, which can hide internal struggles. It signifies Hamlet’s skepticism towards appearances and the deeper complexities of human nature.
8. “The body is with the king but the king is not with the body.”
Hamlet says this line when discussing the death and funeral of Polonius. It indicates Hamlet’s dark sense of humor and his detachment from the physical world. It also reflects his disdain for the politically motivated actions of others, including the king.
Key Exchanges between Characters in Act 2 Scene 5 of Hamlet
In Act 2 Scene 5 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there are several important exchanges between the characters. These exchanges shed light on the relationships and motivations of the characters, and contribute to the overall development of the play.
The scene begins with Hamlet’s conversation with the actors. Hamlet instructs the actors on how to perform their roles, emphasizing the importance of delivering lines naturally and truthfully. Through this exchange, we see Hamlet’s obsession with finding the truth and his desire for the players to reflect his own sense of reality.
After the actors exit, Polonius enters the scene, and Hamlet engages him in a series of witty exchanges. Hamlet toys with Polonius, answering his questions in riddles and puns, mocking his obsequiousness. This exchange serves to highlight Hamlet’s wit and intelligence, as well as his disdain for the superficiality and hypocrisy of the court.
Following Hamlet’s interaction with Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern make their entrance. Hamlet immediately senses their insincerity and confronts them about their true intentions in visiting him. This exchange reveals Hamlet’s distrust of his classmates and his growing suspicion that they are being used as spies by Claudius.
The scene ends with Hamlet revealing his plan to use the upcoming play to test Claudius’ guilt. Hamlet confides in Horatio, expressing his belief that “the play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.” This exchange further showcases Hamlet’s cunning and his determination to uncover the truth.
In Act 2 Scene 5, the key exchanges between the characters highlight their motivations, relationships, wit, and intelligence. These exchanges contribute to the overall complexity and development of the play, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy of Hamlet’s revenge.
Important Speeches from Act 2 Scene 6 in Hamlet
- “O, my dear lord, you love me not.” – Hamlet
- “Nay, do not think I flatter; / For what advancement may I hope from thee / That no revenue hast but thy good spirits / To feed and clothe thee?” – Hamlet
- “Why, then the world’s mine oyster, / Which I with sword will open.” – Hamlet
- “He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man.” – Hamlet
- “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, / Rough-hew them how we will.” – Hamlet
- “Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice / And could of men distinguish, her election / Hath sealed thee for herself.” – Ophelia
- “The cease of majesty / Dies not alone, but like a gulf doth draw / What’s near it with it. It is a massy wheel / Fixed on the summit of the highest mount, / To whose huge spokes ten thousand lesser things / Are mortised and adjoined, which, when it falls, / Each small annexment, petty consequence, / Attends the boisterous ruin.” – Claudius
Memorable Lines from Act 2 Scene 7 in Hamlet
“O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!”
These famous words are spoken by Hamlet as he reflects on his own inaction and inability to take revenge for his father’s murder. Hamlet berates himself for not being more like the player who was able to summon such emotion for a fictional character.
“The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”
This line shows Hamlet’s plan to use a play to expose the guilt of his uncle, the current king and his father’s murderer. Hamlet believes that by reenacting the murder in front of his uncle, he will be able to gauge his reaction and confirm his guilt.
“I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw.”
Hamlet uses this metaphor to explain that he is only pretending to be mad or insane. He claims to be able to discern the truth when the conditions are right, just as one can distinguish a hawk from a handsaw.
“Since brevity is the soul of wit, and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.”
This line is spoken by Polonius as he prepares to give a long-winded and rambling speech. Polonius recognizes that being concise and to the point is more effective than long and flowery speeches.
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.”
Polonius utters these words after observing Hamlet’s erratic behavior. He believes there is a method to Hamlet’s madness, suggesting that his actions may be part of a larger plan.
“Brevity is the soul of wit.”
Hamlet repeats the famous line from Polonius in a mocking tone, implying that the events and conversations around him lack brevity and are therefore lacking in wit.
Remarkable Conversations in Act 2 Scene 8 of Hamlet
Act 2 Scene 8 of Hamlet is a particularly memorable scene for the conversations that take place between Hamlet and the gravedigger. The scene, set in a graveyard, explores themes of mortality and the inevitability of death.
The conversation between Hamlet and the gravedigger serves as a stark reminder of the transitory nature of life and the powerlessness of humans in the face of death. The gravedigger banteringly discusses his profession, revealing that he has been a gravedigger since the day Hamlet was born. This exchange emphasizes the fact that death is a constant presence throughout human existence.
Hamlet’s conversation with the gravedigger also includes a contemplation on the equality of death. When Hamlet discovers a skull, he becomes fascinated with the notion that all people, regardless of their social standing, eventually end up as bones. This realization prompts him to reflect on the futility of worldly success and power in the face of death.
The conversation in Act 2 Scene 8 of Hamlet highlights the existential and philosophical nature of the play. Hamlet’s interactions with the gravedigger force him to confront his own mortality and question the purpose of life. These conversations add depth and complexity to the character of Hamlet, foreshadowing the internal struggles he will face throughout the play.