Hamlet Essay, Research Paper
Act IV, Scene vii:
Claudius convinces Laertes that he is innocent in Laertes’ father’s death
and that Hamlet is to blame.
A messenger enters with Hamlet’s letter and Claudius is amazed to find that
Hamlet is still alive. Claudius reads the letter to Laertes. Hamlet is
writing to inform the King that he has returned to Denmark and tha he
wishes to meet with Claudius tomorrow.
Claudius, concerned about Hamlet’s untimely return, advises Laertes to have
a dueling match with Hamlet. In this match, Claudius plans to have Laertes
kill Hamlet. They plan to cover the tip of Laertes’s sword with poison.
Once Hamlet is struck with the sword, he will die. Hamlet’s death will end
Claudius’ worries about anyone finding out about his involvement in his
brother’s death. To further ensure Hamlet’s demise, Claudius intends to
present Hamlet, if he scores the first “hit”, with a poisoned goblet of
wine. This way, Hamlet will be killed.