Tragedy in Elsinore: Hamlet's Final Acts
Hamlet encounters the gravediggers, reflects on life and death in the graveyard, and faces betrayal and tragedy in a series of duels orchestrated by Claudius. As the plot unfolds, there are deaths, poisoned schemes, and Hamlet's own demise, ending with Fortinbras claiming the throne. The major plot points of Act Five culminate in a tragic conclusion with themes of revenge, betrayal, and the inevitable cycle of life and death.
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Presentation Transcript
Hamlet: Act 5 Scene 1 In the graveyard at Elsinore, Hamlet and Horatio come upon two gravediggers, one of whom sings while he works. The gravediggers are debating whether the person for whom they are digging the grave committed suicide. Observing them, Hamlet ponders all the different skulls in the graveyard, wondering who they once belonged to. Picking one up, Hamlet learns that it once belonged to Yorick, who was the court jester at Elsinore when Hamlet was a boy. Hamlet remembers him fondly, and he laments the fact that someone who was once funny and joyful has simply turned into a skull in a graveyard. His musings are interrupted by the entrance of Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, and a whole host of attendants. It s Ophelia s funeral. Hamlet watches from afar until Laertes jumps in the grave, begging to be buried with his sister. Hamlet leaps in with him and challenges Laertes to a duel.
Hamlet: Act 5 Scene 2 Hamlet tells Horatio that he s aware of Claudius s plot. As it turns out, Hamlet had Claudius s letters calling for the death of Hamlet altered so that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would be killed upon their arrival in England. A courtier named Osric arrives to tell Hamlet it s time for his duel with Laertes. The court enters to watch the duel. Before they duel, Hamlet takes the opportunity to apologize to Laertes for his insane behavior, but Laertes wants to go through with the fight no matter what because his reputation is on the line. Laertes selects the poisoned and sharpened rapier, and the two go at it. When Claudius offers Hamlet the poisoned goblet of wine, Hamlet refuses, and Gertrude picks up the cup instead. Toasting Hamlet, she drinks the poison, ensuring her eventual death. Meanwhile, Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned blade, and the two continue to scuffle, somehow switching swords in the process. Hamlet wounds Laertes with the poisoned blade as well. Gertrude dies, prompting Laertes to point out that this is all Claudius s fault. Finally, Hamlet seizes the opportunity and stabs Claudius with the poisoned blade. Before he dies, Laertes begs for Hamlet s forgiveness, which he grants. Hamlet, also dying, commands Horatio to tell this story, so that everyone can understand what happened. Just then, Fortinbras arrives to claim the throne and instructs the court to give Hamlet a fine funeral because he would have made a fine king.
Hamlet: Major Plot Points Established by Act Five Hamlet accepts Laertes's challenge in good faith, not knowing that Claudius has conspired to have Laertes murder him. Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine that Claudius had intended for Hamlet and dies. Laertes manages to wound Hamlet slightly with the poisoned tip of his sword. In the heat of the fight, the swords are switched. Laertes is in turn wounded by Hamlet, using the poisoned weapon, and dies. Hamlet dies in Horatio's arms. Fortinbras arrives at the head of a Norwegian army. Goodnight, sweet prince/And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest
