Hamlet has players perform a play that mirrors how the ghost described King Hamlet's murder. When Claudius abruptly leaves during the scene of the murder, Hamlet becomes convinced of his uncle's guilt. Hamlet finds Claudius praying and decides not to kill him at that moment. Claudius grows afraid of Hamlet and plans to send him away. Meanwhile, Hamlet confronts his mother and accidentally kills Polonius, who was hiding behind an arras.

1. William
Shakespeare
ACT III
Dr. Mohammed Fahmy Raiyah

2. ACT III

3. The Play within Play

4. Hamlet has a group of players perform a
play which is similar in action to the way the
ghost told him about how his uncle have
murdered his father. If Claudius is guilty, he will
react in a way that reveals his guilt. When the
moment of the murder arrives, Claudius
hurriedly leaves the room. Hamlet and Horatio
agree that this proves his guilt. Hamlet goes to
kill Claudius but finds him praying. Since he
believes that killing Claudius while in prayer
would send his soul to heaven, Hamlet decides
to wait. Claudius becomes afraid of Hamlet and
orders that he be sent to England at once.

16. Hamlet Confronts his Mother
and Kills Polonius

17. Hamlet confronts his mother, in whose
bedchamber Polonius has hidden behind a
curtain. Hearing a noise from behind the
curtain, Hamlet thinks it is the king who is
hiding there. He stabs through the curtain,
killing Polonius.

18. The ghost reminds Hamlet that he mustn't hurt his mother.

21. BRIEF SUMMARY of ACT III
• Hamlet asks a group of actors to act a play that
shows events similar to the killing of King Hamlet
in front of Claudius and Gertrude.
• Hamlet becomes sure of what the ghost told him.
• He wants to kill the king, but finds him praying.
• He confronts his mother and kills Polonius who
was hiding behind the curtain.