Hamlet Rosencrantz And Guildenstern

In this passage, Shakespeare uses the conversation between Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to emphasize the fact that Hamlet is unable to trust any members of the court, even his close allies. Originally, Hamlet is overjoyed to see his old friends, happily exclaiming, “My excellent good friends! How dost thou Guildenstern? Ah,/Rosencrantz. Good lads, how do you both?” (2.2.217-218). However, Hamlet quickly grows suspicious of the pair and questions their motives, wondering if their visit to him was their own idea or if the king and queen sent them to learn the cause of Hamlet’s newfound madness. After some questioning, Rosencrantz privately turns to his companion, asking, “What say you?” (2.2.274) and they finally decide to tell Hamlet the truth after he appeals to their long history of friendship.