Hamlet is deeply contemplative nature and often speaks in veiled metaphors and subtle allusions. His initial expressions of love for Ophelia may have been genuine. Still. However, once he learns about his father's murder by Claudius and his mother's hasty remarriage, he begins to question the authenticity of all around him.
Claudius's remark plants a seed of doubt in Hamlet's mind and further fuels his suspicions regarding the sincerity of Ophelia's feelings for him. He comes to believe Ophelia is involved in a plot against him or, at least, aware of the treachery. This suspicion leads to his erratic and sometimes cruel treatment of Ophelia, contributing to her descent into madness and tragic death.
Furthermore, Claudius's remark highlights the theme of deception and manipulation that permeates the play. It sets the tone for a world where appearances are deceiving, and nothing is quite as it seems. Hamlet's disillusionment with Ophelia's supposed love mirrors his broader cynicism towards a society rotten with corruption and intrigue.
In summary, Claudius's remark about Hamlet's words of love being mere traps for "woodcocks" becomes a pivotal moment in the play. It contributes to Hamlet's evolving perception of reality, shapes his interactions with Ophelia, and reflects the overarching themes of deceit and moral decay that drive the tragic events of the play.