morse for his actions. Considering that these two men were friends from school. However, one must consider carefully the characters of Rosencrant and Guildenstern before passing judgment on Hamlet.Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent for by King Claudius and Queen Gertrude to spy on Hamlet and learn why he “puts on this confusion.” While some are fooled by Hamlets act of insanity, the king is not. He will try whatever it takes to find out why he has been acting that way. He is convinced that it is an act, and Hamlet is up to no good. Claudius obtained the throne through deceit and murder; he believes Hamlet is capable of doing the same thing. While King Claudius is evil, he is not a fool and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern if they were such close friends of Hamlet. They are even told outright that they will be rewareded for their efforts.Depsite Rosencrantz and Guildensterns actions, Hamlet gives them an opportunity to show their loyalty by admitting that they were sent for and why. By showing so much reluctance, they show themselves to be allies of the King. Hamlet asks them, “Were you not sent for? Is it your own inclining? Is it a free visitation? Come, deal justly with me: come, come, nay, speak.” (II, ii. 259-266) Guildenstern’s response was, “My lord, we were sent for.” (II, ii. 276) Hamlet asks them to “be even and direct with, whether you were sent for or no.” But after this question, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern asks if he should tell the King the truth.When Rosencrantz and Guildenster report back to the King, they refer to Hamlet’s action as a “crafty madness” used to mislead them concerning his true state of mind. (III, i. 8) When Hamlet goes and tells the Queen, he reveals that he is fully aware of whats going on. He says that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are no longer childhood friends, but rather adders fanged. They are involved in a conspiracy to destr...
