Claudius in Act III, scene ii “The Mouse-trap Play”

At the beginning of Act III, scene ii, Claudius still partially holds onto the belief that Hamlet is mad due to an extreme case of love sickness for Ophelia. After Claudius witnesses Hamlet’s interaction with Ophelia (III,ii) he is convinced that Hamlet is a danger to others, mainly to Claudius, and that Hamlet must be eliminated. Before the play within a play, Claudius is still unaware that Hamlet knows about Claudius’s guilt. By watching the play, Claudius quickly learns that Hamlet is, in fact, fully aware who murdered his father. Claudius and Gertrude are forced to sit and watch the players reenact King Hamlet’s murder, much to their discomfort. At the end of the scene Claudius exits abruptly, proving to Hamlet and Horatio that Claudius is guilty of regicide.

1. (l. 83) This is the first line spoken by Claudius in this scene. He is entering the makeshift theatre with his wife and entourage. He is trying to be jovial and welcoming to Hamlet. As the king he wants to keep up appearances so he would laugh, smile and pat Hamlet on the back. Claudius’ behavior is like sweet perfume that is trying to cover up what is rotten in the state of Denmark.

2. (ll. 101-21) At this point, Hamlet is sitting in front of the King and next to Ophelia. Hamlet is making repeated inappropriate sex jokes to Ophelia and is continuing to play mad (or is he?) for Claudius. Claudius would appear to be very attentive to the interaction between Hamlet and Ophelia. He would whisper to Gertrude and look at her and then to Hamlet and back again. He would even lean forward to make meaningful eye contact with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

3. (ll. 137- 210) During the “Mouse-trap” play, Claudius would at first be laughing and clapping to show he can take a gentle mocking. But as the play-within-a-play continues and becomes an obvious reenactment of King Hamlet’s death, Claudius becomes increasingly uncomfortable. First he is restless, moving in his throne, fiddling with his rings, looking at the reactions of others in the audience, maybe even perspiring a little.

4. (ll. 211-22) In these lines, Hamlet asks Gertrude how she likes the play and describes its “origins” as Venetian. At this point, Claudius is beyond uncomfortable and is getting exceedingly angry. His lips would be pursed, eyes narrowed, face red. Claudius would hold the arms of his throne tightly to show restraint.

5. (ll. 239-49) Claudius has had enough, he stops the play and calls for the lights. He yells, still trying to restrain his anger but his voice wavers as he says, “Give me some light. Away!” (l. 246). He would stand up quickly, wave his hand at “Away!” and stomp off stage left. Claudius would not look back but the rest of the court would quickly follow him off stage.