hamlet act 3 quotes

3.1 But, with a crafty madness, keeps aloof

Said by Rosencrantz, meaning he believes Hamlet's madness is false

3.1 With all my heart; and it doth much content me

To hear him so inclin'd

Claudius is still playing a facade of a loving step-father to Hamlet

3.1 Her father and myself—lawful espials—

Claudius is justifying his and Polonius’ plan of spying on Hamlet

3.1 That your good beauties be the happy cause

Of Hamlet's wildness

Queen Gertrude wishes that Hamlet's madness is due to his love for Ophelia; shows motherly concern for his son

3.1 ‘Tis too much prov'd, that with devotion's visage

And pious action we do sugar o'er

The devil himself

Polonius refers to people that use religion as a mask to hide their true, and sinful, nature

3.1 How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience!

Claudius reacting to Polonius’ words, meaning how he is one of the same; using goodness as a mask to hide his crime of murdering his brother

Also confirms his crime.

3.1 To be, or not to be—that is the question

Hamlet is still contemplating death; to live, or to die

3.1 But that dread of something after death—the undiscover'd country

Hamlet refers to why people choose to live even when they wish to die—it is because they are fearful of what happens after death

3.1 Eich gifts wax poor when the givers prove unkind

Ophelia to Hamlet as she tried to return the gifts she recieved from him; the gifts are ruined due to his changed feelings

3.1 Get thee to a nunnery

Hamlet to Ophelia, telling her to put herself into a convent to prevent her from having children; or, as an insult [nunnery = brothel]

3.1 Oh heavenly powers, restore him!

Despite being insulted by Hamlet, Ophelia is still worried for him, wishing the Heavens to cure his madness