Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Friends or Foe?
... sent for and why. By showing so much reluctance, they show themselves to be allied with the king. Hamlet asks them to “be even and direct with me, whether you were sent for or no” (II, II. 1384). But after this direct question, Rosencrantz still looks at Guildenstern and asks if they should tell the truth “What say you?” (II, II. 1384). There is no reason to believe that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have the conviction that Prince Hamlet is indeed insane. When they report back to the king, they refer to Hamlet’s actions as a “crafty madness” used to mislead them concerning “his true state” (III, I. 1392). They openly discuss Hamlet’s actions and motives with the king, once again showing their true alliance. Later, when the king decides to send Hamlet to England guarded by these men, they affirm his actions and any future actions that may be carried out toward Hamlet. They know that Hamlet is fully aware of their alliance with the king and therefore their lives have value only as long as the king lives. “The cess of majesty dies not alone, but like a gulf doth draw what’s near it, with it” (III, III. 1408). Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were present when Hamlet spoke to the head player about adding a few lines to the play “The murder of Gonzago”(II, II 1390). They did not actually hear what those lines were to be, but surely they could not help but realize that the king’s anger during the play was probably related to the changes Hamlet made. When the king rose in anger and left, everyone except Hamlet and Horatio followed him. Hamlet, of course, was not concerned for the king, since he knew the cause of his anger. Horatio’s heart was turned toward Hamlet, so he also remained behind. Had Rosencrantz and Guildenstern been loyal to Hamlet, they would have remained behind also, but ambition sent them after the man who held the throne. When they do return, they pretend great love toward Hamlet, only to be rebuked as liars. Hamlet is fully aware of their schemes to manipulate him and tells them they show little respect for him in their attempts to do so. “Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me” (III, II. 1406). They think they can pluck the right strings and Hamlet will open his whole heart to them, but Hamlet is no insane fool. He reads them in ways that they are unable to read him. After Hamlet confronts his mother, the queen, he reveals to her that he is fully aware of the danger that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern represent to him. They are no longer childhood friends, but rather “adders fanged.” They are involved i...