One of the most iconic moments from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a scene where Hamlet stands in graveyard, gazing into a skull. Symbolically, this represents a moment where life is only temporary and how death can come at any moment. This is because Hamlet leaves the graveyard and is killed hours later in the fencing match. While this scene is used partially for comedic effect, with the gravedigger’s conversation, the later scenes segue into Shakespeare’s primary motive to explain the cruel nature.
Key dialogue from this graveyard scene indicates humanity’s vulnerability to death, regardless of power or status. For example, Hamlet struggles with facing the reality of Yorick 's death and understanding how someone “of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy”(5.1.191-192) could be reduced to a lonely, empty skull. Hamlet, in bemusement, questions Yorick, “Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on roar”(5.1.196-198). Shakespeare also points out that powerful people, with riches and high social class, also must succumb to death using Hamlet’s dialogue. In this scene, after “talking” with Yorick, Hamlet then turns to speak with Horatio. Hamlet states, “Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth to dust.” Hamlet jokes at the fact that no earthly can save oneself from death. Certainly, it appears Hamlet is only joking when he talks to Yorick and Horatio. But, Hamlet is likely deeply troubled by Yorick’s death as indicated by his fond memories. Hamlet is constantly plotting to murder Claudius, so the concept of life and death must naturally be on his mind. In short, Hamlet is hiding his true emotions of fear and sorrow and is jaded by the cruel nature of death. Shakespeare uses this dialogue to show that no ruler, no jester, and no human is safe from death. In addition, Hamlet’s passionate reaction to Ophelia’s death shows how much pain and grief death causes. Hamlet’s consequence for withholding secrets from Ophelia drove Ophelia to madness and a potential suicide. In this scene, Hamlet immediately runs to Ophelia after seeing her grave being lowered into the ground. Hamlet cries out, “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?”(5.1.285-287). Even though Hamlet understands that death is a natural and inevitable process, Hamlet still grieves deeply for Ophelia, especially since she died young. Of course, Hamlet acted rashly and revealed himself to …show more content…
The fencing scene shows how human vices are often to blame for tragedies involving death. When Fortinbras enters with his army, it appears that four members of royalty, Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes, are pointlessly murdered. However, upon further inspection, each character’s death has him/herself to blame. Hamlet’s hunger for vengeance and impulsive nature, Claudius’ lust for power, Gertrude’s gullible nature, and Laertes love for his sister all led to their own demise. In this fencing scene, Laertes duels Hamlet and wounds himself with the poisoned blade. Laertes lays dying and reveals to Hamlet, “The treacherous instrument is in hand, unbated and envenomed. The foul practice Hath turned itself on me. Lo, here I lie, Never to rise again”(5.2.347-350). Although Laertes killed Hamlet, Polonius’ murderer, he did so at the cost of his own
Key dialogue from this graveyard scene indicates humanity’s vulnerability to death, regardless of power or status. For example, Hamlet struggles with facing the reality of Yorick 's death and understanding how someone “of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy”(5.1.191-192) could be reduced to a lonely, empty skull. Hamlet, in bemusement, questions Yorick, “Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on roar”(5.1.196-198). Shakespeare also points out that powerful people, with riches and high social class, also must succumb to death using Hamlet’s dialogue. In this scene, after “talking” with Yorick, Hamlet then turns to speak with Horatio. Hamlet states, “Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth to dust.” Hamlet jokes at the fact that no earthly can save oneself from death. Certainly, it appears Hamlet is only joking when he talks to Yorick and Horatio. But, Hamlet is likely deeply troubled by Yorick’s death as indicated by his fond memories. Hamlet is constantly plotting to murder Claudius, so the concept of life and death must naturally be on his mind. In short, Hamlet is hiding his true emotions of fear and sorrow and is jaded by the cruel nature of death. Shakespeare uses this dialogue to show that no ruler, no jester, and no human is safe from death. In addition, Hamlet’s passionate reaction to Ophelia’s death shows how much pain and grief death causes. Hamlet’s consequence for withholding secrets from Ophelia drove Ophelia to madness and a potential suicide. In this scene, Hamlet immediately runs to Ophelia after seeing her grave being lowered into the ground. Hamlet cries out, “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum. What wilt thou do for her?”(5.1.285-287). Even though Hamlet understands that death is a natural and inevitable process, Hamlet still grieves deeply for Ophelia, especially since she died young. Of course, Hamlet acted rashly and revealed himself to …show more content…
The fencing scene shows how human vices are often to blame for tragedies involving death. When Fortinbras enters with his army, it appears that four members of royalty, Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes, are pointlessly murdered. However, upon further inspection, each character’s death has him/herself to blame. Hamlet’s hunger for vengeance and impulsive nature, Claudius’ lust for power, Gertrude’s gullible nature, and Laertes love for his sister all led to their own demise. In this fencing scene, Laertes duels Hamlet and wounds himself with the poisoned blade. Laertes lays dying and reveals to Hamlet, “The treacherous instrument is in hand, unbated and envenomed. The foul practice Hath turned itself on me. Lo, here I lie, Never to rise again”(5.2.347-350). Although Laertes killed Hamlet, Polonius’ murderer, he did so at the cost of his own