HamNun+Lydia+Kim



Hamlet knows. When Hamlet and Ophelia are talking to each other. Hamlet is aware that they are not the only ones there. Even if he didn’t know, it is obvious that he will be cautious around the castle. I mean, he is planning a revenge on the king. The scene takes place in a room inside the castle. Hamlet is not dumb. Now that he knows that Claudius had killed his father in a secretive manner, he should be sure that the King will have spies around the castle. For Hamlet, he is a sheep inside the lion’s den. He should also be scared that the king might do something to him. The king might hurt Hamlet to keep the throne for himself. Which is why he prevented Hamlet from leaving to Wittenberg. The king wanted to keep an eye on him. But this is just what I think.

In the story, there is also a possibility of Hamlet eavesdropping. Although the text did not mention Hamlet being present, he could have been there. After all, Hamlet does live in the castle. He could be everywhere and anywhere. Castles are made out of stone. There is a chance that whatever the people say, it can echo. Maybe Hamlet was at the right place on the right time. Adding on to this possibility, Hamlet could have also suspected that the king was planning something when his friends arrived. I mean if people do enter his house, Hamlet should be aware of it. The friends would have entered through the front door. The friends would have made loud noises. There is no way Hamlet would be unaware of this fact.

“My lord, I have remembrances of yours, that I have longed long to re-deliver; I pray you, now receive them.” (Hamlet 3.1.103-105). This is the quote that Ophelia had said the Hamlet when she first saw him. For Hamlet, this was a clue that something is not right. First of all, they are inside he castle of Claudius. Secondly, Ophelia has been ignoring Hamlet for a couple of days before. To Hamlet, it should be weird that Ophelia would start to talk again in that setting. “Ha, ha! are you honest?” (Hamlet 3.1.113). This is the reply of Hamlet when Ophelia is done talking. Clearly he is showing a sign of suspicion. This suspision can be later seen when he asks another question. “Are you fair?” (Hamlet 3.1.115). Hamlet is giving Ophelia the chance to tell him the truth. Hamlet wants to know if this is a trick set up by the king.