Hamlet+5.1

"I hoped thou shouldest have been my Hamlet's wife" (5.1.255) In this quote the audience learns much more about eh relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia, originally the reader was lead to believe no one would have approved of this marriage, that it would have been too much of a strech between classes and that Hamlet's political position would have forbidden it. Now it is made clear that not only would it have been allowed, the queen wanted it, she had hoped it would happen. Although there is no way to go back and bring the two together now, and the queen may just be saying that because she is dead, it does bring to light a little bit more about the relationship between the two. Perhaps Hamlet made up the excuse he could not marry her because he did not want to, or perhaps her father and brother would not let her marry him because they did not want her to, because it is now clear it was not because they were not allowed to.

"He shall/ recover his wits there" (5.1.155-6) This scene and this portion of the scene help lay a ground work for ht public feeling of Hamlet. Everyone knows he has gone mad, and everyone knows he has gone to England, but there are so many things that the commoners do not know, such as all the murdering going around, but it is interesting to note that even though Hamlet is a prince and of very high stature, no one knows what he looks like. I had not thought of this before, but he could walk around without any fear of recognition, so if he did go to England, he could easily avoid the murder planned for him, change his name, and live as a commoner amongst people who do not know his real identity and do not know his real purpose or past. This quote however, shows the reader the faith the people have in their prince and the fact that everyone expects him to return, most hope he will overcome his madness and return to his kingdom. Although this character also says that if Hamlet does not regain his wits it is not a big issue, he seems to be rooting for Hamlet to succeed and Hamlet seems to be a popular man among the commoners. This information adds even more pressure to the situation, bringing this whole story back into perspective and back into view. There is country practically at war and all the leaders are either mad or murderers, this does not seem like and efficient government.

"Is this the fine of his fines" (5.1.108) This quote and this paragraph is Hamlet's recognition that material things do not come with a person to death. Once dead nothing else matters, no money, success, achievement, connection, will stop death and cannot get anyone a priority trip through death. In death all people are equal, regardless of their lifetime achievements, none of that is factored into death, all people die and all people must suffer the consequences of death.