Scene I

Gertrude is now convinced that Hamlet is mad and capable of murder. She informs Claudius of Polonius' death. He realizes that he was the probable target, and that if Hamlet is capable of murder then he will be next for sure. He instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to depart with Hamlet immediately, for England.

 

Scene II

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern try and find Polonius' body, which Hamlet has hidden. Hamlet mocks them but then tells them the location of the body. He then goes to meet Claudius.

 

Scene III

Hamlet pretends to be happy to go into exile. Hamlet exits, and Claudius reveals that Hamlet will be executed when he arrives in England.

 

Scene IV

Before leaving for England, Hamlet meets Fortinbras, who is crossing Denmark on his way to Poland. He then thinks of the futility of Fortinbras actions, for the rewards are little. Hamlet then thinks of his own inactivity, as he has not yet avenged his father's death.

 

Scene V

Ophelia has also gone mad this is because of her father's death, and Hamlets harsh words earlier. The Queen tries to reason with her, but is not  acknowledged. Laertes arrives from France, and wonders why his father did not get a state funeral. Just as the king is explaining, Ophelia enters the room and Laertes is driven to avenge his fathers death, as he knows this is the reason for Ophelia's state.

 

Scene VI

Horatio recieves a letter from Hamlet, saying that he was attacked by pirates, and that he was the only one captured because he jumped across to their ship. But they spared him once they found that he was an ambassador of Denmark, and that they would be greatly rewarded if they returned him safely. Hamlet also informs Horatio that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are on their way to England, and that he changed the name on the death order to theirs.

 

Scene VII

Claudius tells Laertes that Hamlet is responsible for Polonius' murder and Ophelia's insanity. He also explains the circumstances that led him to spare Hamlet, his love for Gertrude, and that the people of Denmark supported Hamlet. So killing him for the murder of Polonius would is not an option. The arrival of Hamlet is the announced. Claudius persuades Laertes to duel with Hamlet. Laertes accepts and adds that he will coat the tip of the sword with poison, so that even a scratch would kill him. The king then adds that he will offer Hamlet a poisoned goblet during the battle. Ophelia drowns while taking a walk.