Why does Hamlet request the play?

Answer 1

In Act 3, Scene 2 Hamlet says: "the purpose of playing...to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure." (Lines 17-20)

Answer 2

Hamlet arranged the play and added his own few verses into the play. The play "The Mousetrap" was what the actors were putting on. Hamlet wanted to see the similarities between the play and Claudius's guilt in Claudius killing of old Hamlet. Basically, Hamlet wanted to see if Claudius showed any sign of guilt, and if he did, Hamlet knew that Claudius killed the old king, and would kill Claudius as revenge. An eye for an eye as the old saying goes. That era, they believed an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

"I'll have these players play something like the murder of my father before my uncle. I'll tent him to the quick; if 'a do blench I know my course." and of course, "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king."

Answer 4

Hamlet wants to make people think he is crazy that way he can get close enough to Claudius to kill him to revenge his father's death.

Answer 5

He's the main character; the reason he is there is so that there will be a plot or story to watch.

Answer 6

hamlet is in one of Shakespeares plays. he is the main character

Answer 7

The play was similar to the death of Hamlet's father and so was used as a trap to test whether Claudius was really guilty.

Answer 8

cause claudius to reveal his guilt