ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -This is Hamlet’s name since he has called the play “The Murder of Gonzago” with the Players. He hopes to catch the rat, Claudius, with the play. Most critics call this scene the Mousetrap Scene.

Detailed explanation-2: -Claudius asks Hamlet for the play’s title, to which Hamlet replies, The Mousetrap. He says that the play presents the true story of a murder carried out in Vienna. He explains the action of the play, and Ophelia congratulates Hamlet for his story-telling skill.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Murder of Gonzago, also known as The Mousetrap, is a play Hamlet has performed in order to unveil his uncle’s innocence or guilt in the death of his father. Hamlet adds scenes depicting his father’s death into the action of the play. When those scenes are performed, Hamlet’s uncle and mother are uncomfortable.

Detailed explanation-4: -Claudius and Gertrude ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet. Polonius believes Hamlet’s odd behaviour is caused by his love for Ophelia. A group of travelling actors accept Hamlet’s request to perform ‘The murder of Gonzago’, the plot of which is very similar to what happened to Hamlet’s father.

Detailed explanation-5: -The “play within a play” scene (Act 3 Scene 2) is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT in advancing the plot of Hamlet.