During this scene, Hamlet sets the stage to expose Claudius' guilt in front of the entire court. The play-within-a-play mirrors the murder of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, and the audience, along with Hamlet, is fully aware of the parallels. However, the characters within the play do not comprehend the true significance of the performance.
Claudius, in particular, is unaware that the play is designed to trap him. He believes it to be mere entertainment. As a result, his genuine reactions to the play's events heighten the dramatic irony. When the actor playing the murderer enacts the poisoning scene, Claudius' horrified reaction is evident. He jumps from his seat and demands an end to the play.
At this point, Hamlet's purpose is achieved, and Claudius' guilt is exposed. However, Claudius manages to escape before Hamlet can confront him. The audience becomes even more engrossed in the complexities of the plot, as they know the true motivations behind Hamlet's actions and the consequences they might bring.
The tension created by this dramatic irony adds depth and intrigue to the play. The audience becomes active participants, analyzing the subtext and anticipating the characters' next moves. Through the use of dramatic irony, Shakespeare heightens the emotional impact of the story, making it a compelling and thought-provoking experience for the audience.