Ophelia lives at the castle. She has a brother, Laertes, who is studying in Paris. Ophelia is in love with Hamlet. One day, while she is sewing, Hamlet comes to her room. Later she tells her father Polonius, a foolish old lord, about Hamlet’s visit.
–        He looked so sad. He was only half dressed. He stared at me and then he left without saying a word.
–        Is he mad for your love?
–        I don’t know, but I think so.
–        I must tell the King and Queen.

Polonius trusts Claudius and Gertrude. He has no idea that Claudius is a murderer or that Gertrude has been unfaithful to King Hamlet.
–        Hamlet’s love for my daughter has made him mad.
–        That is possible.... but how can we know for certain?
–        We shall hide while Hamlet and Ophelia are talking. We shall listen to their conversation and discover the truth. You will see that I am right.

Polonius gives instructions to Ophelia. He wants her to walk up and down the castle hall, reading her prayer book.
–        Ophelia, you must help us find out the truth about Prince Hamlet’s madness.
–        I shall obey you, Father.
–        Quickly, here he comes. Pretend that you are reading.

Hamlet is thinking deeply. He wants to escape from his problems by committing suicide. His mind is full of questions.
– To be, or not to be? That is the questions. Is it better to live or die? But what happens after we die? Nobody knows.
– I am stupid! I must stop thinking and do something. I must discover the truth. But look, here comes Ophelia. Why is she standing there? Is it a trap?

The Prince is angry with Ophelia because he realizes that she is a spy for her father Polonius and King Claudius.
–        I loved you once.
–        I believed so.
–        No, I never loved you! All women are stupid. They paint their faces and talk foolishly. Nobody should get married. Go away to a nunnery.

The King does not believe that love is the reason for Hamlet’s madness. He is very suspicious.
–        Perhaps Hamlet knows my secret.
–        We must watch him carefully. It is dangerous when a prince is mad
–        Poor Hamlet. Everybody admired him before. He was the perfect prince. Now his mind is ruined. Help him, sweet heavens.