1. Hamlet's Intentional Concealment: Hamlet deliberately chooses to hide his true feelings and thoughts from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He evades their questions, speaks in riddles, and feigns madness to prevent them from understanding his inner turmoil.
2. Manipulation and Mistrust: Hamlet suspects that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sent by Claudius to spy on him and report his actions to the king. His mistrust and suspicion make him guard his words and actions, making it difficult for them to discern the truth.
3. Inability to Comprehend Madness: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern lack the insight to fully comprehend Hamlet's mental state. They struggle to understand the complex nature of his anguish, dismissing his behavior as madness rather than a response to his father's death and the corruption within the Danish court.
4. Superficial Observations: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's observations of Hamlet are superficial and based on his external mannerisms rather than a deeper understanding of his inner struggles. They focus primarily on his disheveled appearance, erratic speech, and strange actions, failing to recognize the emotional depth and complexity that lies beneath.
5. Intimidation by Hamlet's Wit: Hamlet's sharp intellect and clever use of wordplay intimidate Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They struggle to keep pace with his verbal agility and are often left confused and unsure of how to respond. This prevents them from effectively engaging with him and gaining insights into his mental state.
In conclusion, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's inability to discover what ails Hamlet stems from Hamlet's intentional concealment, the complex nature of his madness, their superficial observations, their mistrust of him, and their intimidation by his wit. These factors create barriers to understanding that prevent them from genuinely connecting with Hamlet and understanding the true source of his distress.