The Hamlet Project

Again, it is interesting that it is the TALK of the poisoning rather than the poisoning itself
that triggers Claudius’ response.
This line makes that very explicit as does the order of events. The poisoning in the (non) dumb show triggers no response. The poisoning in the dumb show may be a slow burn trigger- like it could light the match but it’s the TALK of the poisoning that sets off the bomb.