inal scene is where and when Hamlet's schemes combine to fulfill his revenge. Claudius is wary of Hamlet, whose madness he is not entirely convinced. We begin to see cracks in Hamlet's performance after Ophelia's death. Hamlet grapples with Laertes in Ophelia's grave, and speaks in verse. Throughout the entire play, there are limited occasions when Hamlet speaks in verse. His mad character has always spoken in prose, and this shift and emotional outburst definitely opens Claudius' eyes to Hamlet's ruse. Claudius already fears the revelation of his deed, which is why he sent Rozencrantz and Guildenstern to England with Hamlet: for his murder. That failed, and Ophelia's realization of Claudius' guilt, make the king a little uneasy. Hamlet has to be dispatched. Yet Hamlet is always a step or two ahead of the rest of the players. Anticipating a plot, Hamlet does not drink of the poisoned cup and allows his mother to drink. Gertrude, suspecting the wine is poisoned and drinking it against Claudius' advisement, then has committed some sort of suicide. Hamlet allows her to drink, relieving her of her misery and guilt. With Gertrude's death, Claudius realizes his own game is falling apart, yet he is not yet exposed. Hamlet must suspect the poisoned sword Laertes wields, or would not have struck Laertes with a mortal blow. Additionally, Hamlet allows himself to be wounded by the same poisoned sword. Struck with a pang of conscience, a dying Laertes confesses the treacherous plan concocted by Claudius (as Hamlet knew he would), thus exposing Claudius' crimes (as the queen dies off to the side). Hamlet then is a free man to take his revenge on Claudius. Here's the rationale: Hamlet is a murdered man (even though he knew the foil was poisoned-- therefore planning his own murder). Yet while he still has breath in his lungs, he can kill the sinning king in clear conscience, knowing Claudius will go to Hell by the touch of his own poison and for the ...
