In Shakespeare's Hamlet, what do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
say about why the king should be protected in Act 3, Scene 3?
Asked on  1 Answer | Add Yours  ms-charleston-yawp's profile pic
Posted on (Answer #1)  In short, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
say that the king should be protected because there are so many
who depend on him (and so many that would be affected if he were
to die).  Claudius has just announced his fear that Hamlet may
do the king harm; therefore, he plans to send Hamlet (along with
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) to England.  They are both willing
to go.  First, let's examine the specifics of what Guildenstern
says:  Most holy and religious fear it is / To keep those many
many bodies safe / That live and feed upon your Majesty.
(3.3.8-10)  In other words, it is quite a feat to keep all of a
king's subjects safe by attending to a king's well-being.  That
would have been enough.  Rosencrantz could have consented with
his simple agreement; however, instead Rosencrantz has something
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