he murder. Laertes returns to Elsinore after hearing of his father's death, and Claudius tells him to blame Hamlet. Hamlet returns, and Claudius advises Laertes to duel with Hamlet. Claudius plans to have Laertes kill Hamlet with a poisoned tip sword. To ensure Hamlet's death, Claudius intends to present Hamlet with a poisoned goblet of wine. Gertrude tells Claudius and Laertes that Ophelia drowned in a creek. The duel begins and Hamlet scores two hits. Gertrude grabs the poisoned goblet and drinks to Hamlet's fortune. Laertes manages to wound Hamlet, but in the scuffle they exchange swords and Hamlet injures Laertes. Gertrude falls and says Claudius poisoned her. Laertes tells Hamlet he will die as well, and Claudius planned everything. Hamlet stabs Claudius and kills him. Symbols Yorrick’s Skull - This symbolizes the way that death ultimately brings everyone to the same level so that kings rot the same way as beggars. Poison - At the end of the play, this kills nearly all of the characters symbolizing that you can bring yourself down with your own bad intentions. The play - Hamlet orders the actors to reenact the death of his father to see the reaction that Claduius give him. This symbolizes the guilt that Claudius feels. Style Shakespeare is often considered one of the world’s greatest playwrights, and has a style to back it up. He writes with poetic diction using eloquent words and phrases. He uses irony and drama to create and sustain suspense through the play. Shakespeare uses much figurative language and imagery. Dominant Philosophy Bad things can happen to good people with one fatal flaw. This is a theme often used in this sort of tragedy. Hamlet was a good person in the beginning of the play and tried to avenge his fathers death like a good son. His sense of revenge however got the best of him resulting his own death and the death of his loved ones. Quotes “King: Though yet of Hamlet our dea...
