# Scene II explained — Hamlet

> Chapter companion for Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Hamlet recounts to Horatio how he discovered and altered the king's commission ordering his execution, leading to the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He then receives a challenge from Laertes, arranged by Claudius, and prepares for a fencing match despite a sense of foreboding. The scene culminates in the duel where treachery is revealed, resulting in the deaths of Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, and Hamlet himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

Hamlet reflects on 'a divinity that shapes our ends' and later declares 'the readiness is all,' highlighting the tension between divine providence and human action.

### Revenge and Morality

Hamlet justifies his revenge against Claudius and grapples with Laertes' parallel quest for vengeance, questioning the moral cost of retribution.

### Deception and Spying

The altered commission and the poisoned rapier exemplify the pervasive deceit that drives the plot toward tragedy.

## Character check-ins

### Hamlet

Narrates his escape and alteration of the death warrant; apologizes to Laertes; participates in the fatal duel.

### Horatio

Listens to Hamlet's account; warns Hamlet about his misgivings; present during the duel.

### Osric

Delivers the king's message about the wager; engages in verbose and affected conversation with Hamlet.

### King Claudius

Arranges the fencing match and poisons the wine; dies by Hamlet's hand.

### Queen Gertrude

Drinks from the poisoned cup intended for Hamlet; dies.

### Laertes

Accepts Hamlet's apology but remains honor-bound; uses a poisoned rapier in the duel; dies after confessing.

## Key lines

> There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will

A divine power ultimately determines our outcomes, no matter how we try to plan them.

_Hamlet expresses his belief in fate guiding human affairs._

> The readiness is all

Being prepared for whatever comes is what truly matters.

_Hamlet accepts the inevitability of death and the importance of facing it with courage._

> He should the bearers put to sudden death, Not shriving-time allow’d

The bearers (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) were to be executed immediately without time for confession.

_Hamlet describes the original order for his own execution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hamlet_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hamlet_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hamlet_se/chapters