Note to Hamlet, 3.1.29: "For we have closely sent for Hamlet hither"


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Hamlet,
Act 3, Scene 1, line 29
    This statement might raise questions, such as: "Who delivered the message to Hamlet that he was 'sent for'?" "What was in the message?" "Did Hamlet know the message was from the King?" However, there is no way to answer such questions because when Hamlet shows up, there's no evidence he knows that he has been sent for; he's meditating about whether it's better "to be or not to be."