Suicide

 Polonius's Son, Laertes, Returns To Denmark From Paris. He Is Very Angry.

·        Claudius, You Have Killed My Father. I shall persuade the people to rebel against you. There will be a revolution!

·        No, Laertes, Hamlet is responsible for everything!

·        But how did my father die?

·        Why is it a secret?

·        Be patient. When I have explained everything, you will understand. I am your friend.  

Ophelia comes to see Laertes. She loved Hamlet but he killed her father. This has made her mad. She sings sad songs and gives flowers to everyone she meets.

·        What is the matter with my sister?

·        She has lost her mind, poor girl. ( lost her mind: became mad) 

·        Do you see this? Oh God!

·        He is dead, lady, he is dead. He will never come again. His beard was as white as snow. He is gone, he is gone. Love, remember me.

A sailor brings a letter to Horatio. When he opens it, he discovers that it is from Hamlet.

 Horatio,

I am in Denmark. Some pirates attacked our ship. While everybody was fighting, I jumped onto their ship. I paid them and they brought me home to Denmark.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have continued to England. I shall tell you more about them when I see you. Meet me in the graveyard.

Hamlet

·        I shall go to him immediately. I am glad he is safe.

            Claudius also receives a letter from Hamlet. He has a private conversation with Laertes.

·        But why didn't you put Hamlet in prison?

·        He is very popular with the people. It was impossible to punish him. The best thing was to send him to England.

·        He has killed my father and driven my sister out of her mind! I would do anything to get my revenge.

·        This letter is from Hamlet. He is back in Denmark.

·        I'm glad. I will kill him.

·        I have a better plan...

The Queen comes in.

·        I have bad news, Laertes. Ophelia is dead. She wanted to put flowers on the willow tree. While she was climbing, she slipped and fell into the river. She floated there, singing. Then she drowned.

·        Was it suicide?

·        Nobody Knows. Perhaps it was an accident. Oh, sweet Ophelia! I hoped she would marry Hamlet. Come, let us go and bury her.

·        Now Hamlet has killed my father and my sister.

Hamlet meets Horatio in the graveyard. They see a gravedigger. He is preparing a new grave and he has uncovered some old bones. Hamlet begins to talk about death.

·        Look at this skull, Horatio. It is Yorick's. He was the court jester. Alas, poor YORICK. I knew him, Horatio. When I was a child, he carried me an his back. His jokes were the best. He cannot make anybody laugh now.

·        Perhaps this skull belonged to a beautiful lady. She cannot paint her face now. Perhaps this skull belonged to a lawyer. He cannot show how clever he is now. Perhaps this skull belonged to a court gentleman. He cannot wear elegant clothes now