Analysis

Hamlet

     In this scene, Hamlet delivers his third soliloquy and the "get thee to a nunnery" monologue, both in the presence of Ophelia, thought he is unaware she is there for the former. The first soliloquy is more concrete proof of his suicidal tendencies; "to be or not to be. that is the question." (lines ) This line can be interpreted in two ways: Hamlet is asking himself whether or not to be alive or not to be alive and therefore not experience the overwhelming troubles he is currently involved in and he may also be asking himself whether it is nobler to sit back and let life take its course as best as he can or fight back. Right afterwards he says to himself "and by a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.." So, he is continuing to contemplate whether or not to end it all and not have to suffer any longer. Aware of Ophelia's presence, Hamlet talks to her and at first seems to be polite. When Ophelia attempts to give back the tokens Hamlet had given her, he insists in the opposite and then goes on to attack women and the way they "excuse their wantonness for ignorance," which is another way of saying that he thinks that they disguise their desires behind childishness and games. He also goes on to insult women's makeup and claim that they all know exactly how they make "monsters" of men. He implements his usual double meaning play on words with his use of "nunnery" which can be used as a slang term for a brothel. He also tells Ophelia that men are not to be trusted. At the end of his speech, he tells her "to a nunnery, go." This line implies that perhaps he still has feelings for Ophelia and wants to protect her, or he really believes her to be a strumpet and wants to be rid of her.

The Conversation (King, Queen, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Polonius)

     In this conversation between the Queen, king, Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern they are trying are there to discuss Hamlets behavior and to see how they’re plan went with the guards trying to make Hamlet open up to him. Hamlets parents are afraid he has gone crazy and the guards think so too. They have actors come and see if that will lift his spirits and that seems to be helping some. Also the guards report that Hamlet seems to not want to open up to him because he tries to avoid their questions.

Quote Analysis

            Queen =>  "...Ophelia, I do wish that your good beauties be the happy cause of Hamlet's Wildness."(pg.121)
            Explanation: The Queen is assuming that Hamlet is being strange/wild because of his love for Ophelia. 

            Polonius=> "I hear him coming. Let's withdraw, my lord."(pg. 122)
            Explanation: Polonius hears Hamlet coming near the room, so he and the King hide so that they can listen in to his conversation with Opehlia, without letting Hamlet know that they are listening. 

            Hamlet=> "To be, or not to be. That is the question."(pg. 122)
            Explanation: Hamlet is questioning whether or not he should live, and continue on with his life with suffering, or put it all to rest, and kill himself, so he doesn't suffer.

            Hamlet=> "Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?" (pg. 125)
            Explanation: Hamlet is telling Ophelia to go to a nunnery, assumingly so she can be "cleansed" as proven by the following line, about breeding sinners. At the time Ophelia and Hamlet may have been intimate, so it can be assumed that by being with Hamlet, she would be breeding with a sinner, i.e. Hamlet. He calls himself a sinner = he's done something wrong or will do something considered wrong. 

             Hamlet=> "I say we will have no more marriage." (pg.126)
             Explanation: Hamlet is basically regretting all of his previous feelings for Ophelia, saying that they (he) will never be married and he gives his reason previously here: 
             "...for wise men know well enough what monster you (Ophelia/women) make of them."

             King=> "Love? His affections do not that way tend." (pg. 127)
             Explanation: The King finally realizes that Hamlet's reasons for his behavior have nothing to do with his feelings for Ophelia and that he doesn't love her at all. 

             King=> "Thus set it down: he shall with speed to England for the demand of our neglected tribute." (pg. 127)
             Explanation: They think that Hamlet needs a change in scenery to clear his head and fix his problems, so they are going to send him to England on a "vacation."