Hamlet

Act 2, Sc. 2, lines 173-181: What does he suggest about Hamlet in line 177 (line 177 will be in bold&italics)) that shows to the informed audience that he is not insane?

King. How may we try further?

Polonius. You know sometimes he walks four hours together

Here in the lobby.

Queen. So he does indeed.

Polonius. At such a time I'll loose my daughter to him.

Be you and I behind an arras then.

Mark the encounter: if he love her not,

And be not from his reason fall'n thereon,

Let me be no assistant for a state,

But keep a farm and carters.

King. We will try it.

[Enter Hamlet, reading a book]

Queen. But look where sadly the poor wretch comes reading.

Polonius. Away, I do beseech you both, away.

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

Polonius is pretty convinced that Hamlet is only unbalanced because he (Polonius) has told his daughter not to see or spend time with Hamlet. The informed audience, however, knows that Hamlet's erratic behavior is part of his plan to avenge his father's murder. recall act 1 sc 5,

How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself
(As I perchance hereafter shall think meet
To put an antic disposition on),