You are here

All Site ContentHamletAct 3Scene 2
Back to the Play
"The players cannot keep counsel"
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 2
Lines 131-136

An explanation of the phrase, “the players cannot keep counsel,” in Act 3, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Ophelia

Belike this show imports the argument of the play?
[Enter a Player as Prologue.]

Hamlet

We shall know by this fellow. The players cannot
keep counsel, they'll tell all.    

Ophelia

Will they tell us what this show meant?

Hamlet

Ay, or any show that you will show him. Be not you 
ashamed to show, he'll not shame to tell you what it means.

This moment of wordplay means that this line can be read in two ways:

  • They cannot keep a secret; the actors will reveal the plot of the play.
  • They cannot take advice; the actors are not following Hamlet’s instructions.