Why was there a duel between Hamlet and Laertes?
Hamlet does accept the duel however, for two reasons: firstly, it offers him an opportunity to resolve his conflict with Laertes, whose forgiveness he craves (a fencing duel with foils – blunted blades – is a courtly sport after all, and chiefly an exercise in male bonding).
What are the terms of the duel in Hamlet?
They select their foils (blunted swords used in fencing), and the king says that if Hamlet wins the first or second hit, he will drink to Hamlet’s health, then throw into the cup a valuable gem (actually the poison) and give the wine to Hamlet. The duel begins.
Does Hamlet want duel Laertes?
Of course, had Hamlet known he may have gone to the sword fight anyway, figuring he could out wit and out fight his opposition. But that is pure speculation. Hamlet is trying to make peace with Laertes when he accepts the invitiation to the contest with Laertes.
Why does Hamlet fight with Laertes in the grave?
Hamlet’s comments to Laertes reveal his motivation for jumping into Ophelia’s grave. Essentially, Hamlet attempts to outdo Laertes and prove his love for Ophelia by leaping into her grave.
What is the priest’s answer to Laertes?
Laertes thinks that Ophelia should have a better funeral service. What is the priest’s answer?-The priest said that if it wasn’t for the king’s orders about her burial arrangements, Ophelia would have been buried outside of the Church graveyard.
What 2 things is Ophelia singing about?
Just then, Ophelia enters, acting utterly insane. She sings songs about death, love, and flowers. Gertrude can make neither heads nor tails of what she’s saying, but Ophelia’s songs hint at Hamlet’s betrayal and her father’s death. After she leaves, Laertes returns, demanding to know where his father is.
What does Ophelia say in songs?
In her first song, Ophelia addresses her mourning and a recent loss, singing, “He is dead and gone, lady, / He is dead and gone, / At his head a grass-green turf, / At his heels a stone” (IV. This string of words paints a clear image of a dead man and of Polonius because of his recent death.
Why does Horatio feel the queen should see and speak to Ophelia?
Instead, he tells the Queen it would be a safer to speak to Ophelia, because she has been talking about her father, and “tricks,” and she’s making people wonder what’s going on.