‘... the rest is silence’

While he is standing in the graveyard, Hamlet sees a procession approaching. It is Ophelia’s funeral. The Queen throws flowers into the grave and says ‘Sweets to the sweet.’ Hamlet did not know that Ophelia was dead. He is shocked. He jumps into the grave and fights with Laertes.

·      You killed my father and my sister!

·      I loved Ophelia more than forty thousand brothers!

Laertes wants his revenge. He and Claudius decide how to kill Hamlet.

·      You must challenge Hamlet to a fencing match. He loves this sport. He will certainly agree.

·      Yes, and I shall put poison on the tip of my sword. If I cut him, he will die.

·      And if this plan fails, I shall give Hamlet a poisoned drink.

Hamlet accepts the challenge. He does not know about the poisoned sword. To him, the fight is just sport – something he enjoys!

·      I am sorry for your father’s death, Laertes.

·      I accept your apology, Hamlet. Now, let’s begin the fight.

·      Here is a drink for you, Hamlet, if you are thirsty. Good luck to you! I have bet six horses that you will win.

Hamlet fights well and scores the first points. The Queen is very happy. She picks up the cup of poison. Claudius tries to stop her drinking – but it is too late!

·      No, Gertrude, do not drink!

·      I drink to Hamlet!

Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned sword. Later, in the confusion, they exchange swords and Hamlet wounds Laertes. The poison enters their blood.

Suddenly, the Queen screams in pain. Laertes falls to the ground and Hamlet begins to feel weak. The poison is working.

·      Help me. I am dying!

·      We are all going to die. The sword and the drink were poisoned. The king is to blame.

·      Then before I die, I shall have my father’s murder!

·      Treason! Treason!

Hamlet is dying. Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, Gertrude and Claudius are all dead. It is time for a new beginning in Denmark.

·      I shall kill myself, too.

·      No, Horatio. You must live. Tell the truth to the world after I am dead. Tell my story.

·      Goodnight, sweet Prince. And flights of angels sing tree to thy rest.

Vocabulary

·       Fights with : attacks

·       Challenge match: Claudius suggests a match with swords.

·       Tip : end

·       Just: only

·       Bet: risked, Claudius will give six horses to Laertes if he wins. Laertes will give six horses to Claudius if Hamlet wins.

·       Scores : wins

·       Picks up: takes (in her hand).

·       Wounds: cuts.

·       They exchange swords: Hamlet takes Laertes’s sword and Laertes takes Hamlet’s.

·       The King is to blame: The King is responsible.

·       Flights of angels: groups of flying angels.

·      Thy: your