The scene begins with King Claudius talking about his brother who has recently died and was the previous king. Claudius has since married Gertrude, the late King’s widow. He is trying to tell Hamlet, his nephew and the late King’s son, not to be sad about his fathers death. He also speaks to the son of the wealthy man Poloniu, Leartes.
Claudius and Gertrude exit the stage leaving Hamlet alone with the audience. Hamlet then delivers a soliloquy about his anger towards his mother and uncle.
React!