Act 5 Scene 1
The act starts with two gravediggers digging a hole for a christian burial they argue about the fact that the women doesn’t deserve a burial because she killed herself and the other argues she earns it because of her rank. Hamlet and the Gravedigger engage in a game of cat and mouse with questions answered with questions. Then Hamlet speaks of life and death and how every person gets an equal death no matter who they are.
Hamlet hides as the King,Queen,and Laertes arrive with a coffin. Laertes argues with the priest about the burial with the priest refusing a full christian burial because she killed herself. The Queen places flowers on the casket and Laertes over run with grief jumps into the casket. Hamlet realizes it is Ophelia and argues how he loved her more the Laertes ever could. They are separated and Horatio is instructed to look over Hamlet.
Act 5 Scene 2
Hamlet informs Horatio of the events that led to him returning to England telling him about how he found the letter intended for the English King(in Rozencrantz and Guildenstern’s room.) orderings Hamlets beheading but, with great intelligence Hamlet rewrote a second letter ordering the death of Rozencrantz and Guildenstern stating he feels no regret for they betrayed him. Horatio suggests that the King would be informed but Hamlet states that he will act fast now.
Osoric the Kings courtier enters inviting Hamlet to a friendly duel with Laertes with Hamlet humbly accepting Horatio feeling uneasy states that it may be a trap but, Hamlet suggests that he cannot escape his fate if its his destiny all he can do is prepare for it. The duel then is about to begin with Hamlet first apologizing to Laertes about his actions including the murder of his father stating it was in his madness. Laertes states he bears him no grudge. they then choose their swords with Laertes picking his and Hamlet only asking its the same size.
They begin with Hamlet getting the first two hits King Claudius adds a pearl to Hamlets cup offering a drink but he refuses his mother does the same but he still refuses the King exclaims “our son shall win” and the queen declares a toast and drinks from the cup despite the Kings warning. Laertes and Hamlet fight for the third time with Laertes hitting Hamlet with the poison sword the fall on the ground switch swords and Hamlet hits Laertes with the poison sword as well then the Queen falls.
The King says she is fell because of the blood but she states she “has been poisoned” Laertes tells Hamlet of the murder plot and that the poison sword is in his hand. Hamlet stabs the King and to ensure his death pours the wine down his throat he and Laertes forgive each other so they both go to heaven and Hamlet tells Horatio to tell his story and entrust the Danish crown to Fortinbras who army and him approach they come and see the bodies and Fortinbras agrees to take the crown and says that the bodies to be buried.
React!