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Tragicomic Gravediggers in Hamlet

In Act 5, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," gravediggers provide comic relief amidst tragic events. The scene explores themes of death, fate, and honor, culminating in a dramatic duel leading to multiple deaths. The play delves into the complexity of life and the consequences of actions.

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Tragicomic Gravediggers in Hamlet

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  1. Hamlet Act 5

  2. Scene One • The First Clown and the second clown are gravediggers—they serve as comic relief after a key tragic scene where Gertrude describe Ophelia’s drowning • They discuss whether or not Ophelia deserves a Christian burial because she committed suicide • Hamlet is appalled at their comical conversation given the serious nature of the business at hand (gravedigging)

  3. Lines 78-115—possibilities of the skull—in death we look the same • Lines 187-223 reflects upon Yorick, his own court jester and how each man, regardless of his greatness, returns to the dust from which he came. • Laertes, queen, king etc enter and Laertes and Hamlet jump in the grave and fight because of Hamlet’s role in killing Polonius and scorning Ophelia • Hamlet is restrained and Claudius reassures Laertes by reminding him of their plan to kill Hamlet using the duel, poison sword and poisoned wine

  4. Scene Two • Hamlet and Horatio talk about Hamlet’s trip to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern—he steals a note that they were taking to the king and changes it to cause R&G’s death • Osric enters and proposes the duel (comic relief b/c Hamlet makes fun of Osric’s hat etc. • The rules of the duel are proposed—and they are called to the hall by the king • LINES 221-226: there’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow—let be—fatalism of the situation

  5. Hamlet asks for forgiveness from Laertes—by nature, Laertes forgives, but his honour must be satisfied CHARACTER: Laertes is an honorable character whose intentions are generally good • They duel—Laertes finally hits Hamlet with his sharp foil and the queen falls, having drunk from the poisoned cup that was offered to Hamlet • Laertes falls and reveals the plot against Hamlet—Hamlet stabs the king and he dies

  6. Hamlet has already been hit with the poisoned sword and realizes his fate and he asks Horatio to tell the story of what happened (in the distance, we have hearing sounds of battle) • Young Fortinbras has come with his soldiers and ambassadors of England • Hamlet dies “the rest is silence”

  7. Fortinbras is surprised at the carnage already in the room—Horatio does his job and tells Fortinbras about the situation • Fortinbras reveals his noble nature by asking for a hero’s funeral for Hamlet • The circumstances caused Hamlet’s downfall and the chaos and carnage that was a part of it.

  8. Themes in Hamlet • Certainty in life and death is impossible • Remaining in thought or taking action can lead to very different outcomes • Death is mysterious and far-reaching in consequence • A society can become a Diseased Body when nature is out of balance/humanity turns to evil deeds

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