Cassidy - Act 3 Key Passages and Personal Response

Hamlet's Soliloquy - scene 1, 57-91:
     In this scene, Hamlet thinks about whether to live or take his own life, due to his father's murder and his mother's quick remarriage to the one responsible for his father's death. In this soliloquy, Hamlet ponders on whether to grieve over his melancholy or avenge his father by command of his ghost. He debates which act is better to persue; committing murder or committing suscide. However, his belief and fear of the afterlife prevent him from slaying himself. He also wonders who would bear the injustice of life, and the aftermath of such a tragedy. His fear of death keeps him from taking the easy way out and instead he continues plotting his revenge against Claudius. This passage is significant because this is the "do or die" moment for him; what his final decision is on whether or not he'll avenge his father. This passage is an eye-opener andkeeps you in suspense of what is bestowed next.

Hamlet Reenacts the Murder - scene 2, 153-288:
     In this scene, the players are performing in front of Claudius and the rest of the congregation. Hamlet changes some lines and scenes of the play. This "Mousetrap" is to examine Claudius's reaction when he witnesses a reenactment of the murder he committed. Hamlet and Horatio gaze upon the king when the scene approaches. After watching the murder, Claudius rises, asks for light, and flees. However, Claudius's outcome afterwards is not what Hamlet expects. In a room alone, he falls on his knees and asks for forgiveness for his sins. This is when we realize that Claudius is truly sorry and is surrounded with guilt for murdering and betraying is own flesh and blood.

Hamlet Confronts His Mother/ Ghost Appears - scene 4, 9-142
     This is the scene when Hamlet finally approaches his mother and reveals what deeds she has done, though she doesn't realize the betrayal she has become apart of  by marrying her late husband's brother. A lot of misunderstanding occurs in this passage. Thinking Claudius is the one behind the tapestry, Hamlet draws his sword through it, killing Polonius instead. Also, when the Ghost appears, Hamlet sees it, but Gertrude does not. She assumes that Hamlet has gone mad when he is talking to the unseen ghost. This passage is importantbecause Hamlet reveals his reason for his melancholy and madness, and what occurs later on is suspenseful such as, how will everyone react to Polonius's death and to Hamlet's truthful tone.


Personal Response
     Act 3 was very entertainging. It mademe keep askingquestions in suspense. There is some action and secrets revealed, and I was not expecting some details that happened as well. Overall, I loved Act 3 and I cannot wait to read the rest of the play and figure out what happens.