Question

In scene 2 (act 4), what is Hamlet's appraisal of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern?

a) Praises their loyalty and friendship
b) Views them as pawns in a political game
c) Regards them as true confidants
d) Trusts them completely with his secrets

Answer 1

In Act 4, Scene 2 of 'Hamlet', Hamlet considers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to be pawns in King Claudius' political manipulations, rather than trustful friends or confidants.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, in Act 4, Scene 2, Hamlet's appraisal of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is that he views them as pawns in a political game. This is indicative of Hamlet's awareness of the political manipulation happening around him and his understanding that his supposed friends are being used by King Claudius to spy on him and report back. Tarred by their compliance with Claudius' schemes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern cannot be trusted by Hamlet, and they are certainly not his confidants or companions in any sincere sense.