You are here

"grounds more relative"
Context and Language Videos
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 582-593

Why does Hamlet need more proof of Claudius's guilt in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare's Hamlet?

myShakespeare | Hamlet 2.2 Discussion: “Grounds more relative”

Hamlet

With most miraculous organ. I'll have these players
Play something like the murder of my father     
Before mine uncle. I'll observe his looks;
I'll tent him to the quick. If he but blench,    
I know my course. The spirit that I have seen    
May be a devil, and the devil hath power
T'assume a pleasing shape, yea, and perhaps,
Out of my weakness and my melancholy 
As he is very potent with such spirits 
Abuses me to damn me. I'll have grounds
More relative than this. The play's the thing    
Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.    
[Exit.]
Video Transcript: 

RALPH: Hamlet now explains why it's important to get Claudius to show his guilt. Although the ghost has already exposed the murder, Hamlet is not 100% sure that the ghost can be trusted. He acknowledges the possibility that the ghost could be a devil trying to capitalize on his depression and entice him to commit a mortal sin.

SARAH: Murdering an innocent Claudius in cold blood would indeed be a mortal sin. But with this plan, Hamlet will find out for certain if Claudius is innocent or guilty, depending on how he reacts to the play that Hamlet will ask the players to stage for the court.