Act 2, p. 55-84 Summary

Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are on stage continuing their previous conversation from the end of the first act. At first, their words cannot be distinguished, but then Hamlet speaks lines from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act II, Scene ii. The Tragedians' band is heard. The actors enter, and Hamlet speaks in sort of a parody of Elizabethan speech to welcome all. Hamlet ends with the statement, "But my uncle-father and aunt-mother are deceived."

Guildenstern asks Hamlet about what are they deceived. Hamlet replies cryptically, and Polonius enters and greets them. Hamlet, again confusing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, takes Rosencrantz upstage to talk to him, but calls him Guildenstern. Polonius calls after Hamlet, telling the king that he has news. Rather than responding with interest, Hamlet mimics Polonius rudely. Polonius approaches and tells Hamlet that the actors have come. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern speak...