Rosencrantz And Guildenstern In Hamlet By William Shakespeare

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are the worst. As Hamlet’s childhood friends, one would think they would be there for him in a time of need. He is skeptical of their motives from the moment they arrive at Elsinore, but Hamlet trusts them with the secret that he is only pretending to be mad anyways. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have no problem betraying him by divulging his every word and action to the king. The money and momentary importance the feel from being useful to Claudius is enough to turn them against a long time ”friend”. Hamlet is not stupid nor blind to their deceit. Though he does not know of their exact plan, Hamlet promises to trust Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and the letters they carry “as [he] will adders fanged” (47). More that surprised or hurt by their betrayal, Hamlet is insulted that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would think him so easy to mislead.
The betrayal experienced with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is different for Hamlet than with any other characters. He does not feel the same sadness, guilt or loss of hope; but rather just a burden by their presence. Even when switching the contents of Claudius’s letters and sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet simply tells Horatio “they did make love to this employment. They are not near my conscience, their defeat does by their own insinuation grow” (67). Hamlet blames Rosencrantz and Guildenstern for their own death. They brought it on themselves. Karma. The difference in Hamlet’s response to their betrayal -though it may seem justified- shows just how troublesome this entire experience has been for Hamlet and how little he truly does value