Can’t you steer the conversation to find out why he’s behaving so crazy, why his normal peaceful state of mind has been replaced with this violent, dangerous lunacy?
He confesses that he feels bothered, but he won’t say why.
He didn’t seem to like being questioned. He cleverly faked madness to avoid revealing what’s really going on.
Was he polite to you?
Welcome, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I really wanted to see you while you’re here at Elsinore, but I also need your help. That’s why I’ve sent for you. You’ve heard of Hamlet’s “transformation” – let’s call it that. He doesn’t look or act like he used to. I can’t imagine what’s caused this change, other than his father’s death.
Since you know him so well, having grown up with him, I would prefer if you two would stay here a little longer and hang out with him. Find out if anything is bothering him that, if I knew about it, I could fix.
Reynaldo, when you get to Paris, give this money and these letters to Laertes. [He gives some money and papers to Reynaldo.]
I will, my lord.
It would be a good idea if, before you visit my son, you ask around about his behavior.
My lord, that’s what I intended to do.
Where are you taking me? Speak. I'll go no further.
Listen to me.
I will.
My time is almost up. Soon, I’ll have to return to those terrible fires.
Oh, poor ghost!
Don’t pity me, but listen seriously to what I have to tell you.
Speak. I’m eager to hear what you have to say.
The air is really biting. It is very cold.
Yes, the air is nipping at us.
What time is it?
I think it’s just before midnight.
No, the bell has already struck twelve.
My bags are packed. Farewell. And sister, whenever the winds allow the mail ships to sail, let me hear from you.
Do you doubt that?
As for Hamlet and the attention he has been paying you, interpret this as casual flirtation from a young man coming into his sexual prime. It’s like the sweet smell of perfume, which provides a minute of pleasure, but nothing lasting.
You think it’s no more than that?
It has only been a short time since the death of my brother, King Hamlet, and it is fitting that the kingdom come together in mourning. However, my judgment needs to overrule my personal grief, as I must also consider the welfare of the whole kingdom.
Who's there?
You answer me! Stay where you are and identify yourself.
Long live the king!
Bernardo, is that you?
It’s me.
You’re right on time to take over the watch.
The clock tower has already struck midnight. Get to bed.
