Hamlet

The secondary plot throughout Acts IV and V as I understood it is Claudius the present King's conniving plans and intrigues to end Hamlets life. It is known that Polonius is dead by Hamlet's hand. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are aiding the King in his attempt to find Polonius body. This should ease the King, for now the murderer has something on Hamlet. Towards the end of Scene III in Act IV, we begin to see how the King really feels about Hamlet. What his true intent toward Hamlet is. We learn this as the King speaks aloud to himself, "The present death of Hamlet. Do it, England;" etc.

Claudius speaks with his wife Gertrude about Hamlet's, "violent" killing of Polonius. Hamlet is to be sent away. Laertes has returned from France, the tool to be used in luring Hamlet into a final showdown and death.

As Scene V opens Ophelia is truly mad, Claudius speaks of her grief, pointing up again Hamlet's guilt.

Laertes arrives and confronts Claudius. From now on Laertes passion is a tool which Claudius finely hones into a weapon of death to kill Hamlet. Claudius is adroit, very cunning, versed in courtly language, strongly manipulative. To add fuel to the situation Laertes sees Ophelia in her madness.

The plot thickens, sailors enter, give Horatio letters from Hamlet, hinting that something unpleasant has happened to him.

Laertes and Claudius join forces, as Claudius has Laertes ear. Claudius the poisoner of the father of Hamlet, who killed by poisoning through the ear, is now verbally poisoning Laertes ear.

Laertes wants to know why Claudius has not proceeded against Hamlet. Claudius claims Hamlet has slain Polonius and is after his life as well. He explains, it is for the love of Hamlet's mother, who dotes on her son, that no move has been made against Hamlet. Laertes wants revenge and voices his wish for it.

Hamlet's letters arrive. Claudius is somewhat flustered. He quickly recovers and his flattering ability comes to the fore. He really works Laertes praising his swordsmanship.

Scene VII the Kings mind opens and we truly hear the murderer speak, he feels free to speak thus with his ally.

The Poisoner directs Laertes passion , coaxing it, coddling, when suspected of a change into benign feelings , fired up again, like a flame kept fueled at the right level of burning.

Laertes has already on hand, purchased, an unction; Wolfsbane, which causes death within half an hour. There is no antidote.

The men plot together, have a backup plan in case the poisoned sword is not successful.

The wily King greets his Queen and prepares her for what is to follow, clearing himself of any involvement. He sets it up for Laertes to take the full blame for Hamlet's demise.

Hamlet returns to Denmark. Once again Horatio and Hamlet are together. Hamlet can be himself with him. We no longer see and hear the contrived madman.
Ophelia's funeral cortage approaches and Hamlet is startled to find its her thats being buried this day.

Claudius prevents the two young men from joining in sorrow over the loss of Ophelia, stating, "O, he is mad, Laertes."

The letters that Hamlet discovered on board the ship bound for England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, within their belongings are read by him, replaced with new letters he has prepared, sealed and appear as valid.

Hamlet tells Horatio that Claudius wrote the letters and they were orders for Hamlets head to be chopped off.

The courtier, mouth of the King, Osric approaches and states,"My Lord, His Majesty bade me signify to you that a has laid a great wager on your head."

It is presented as a friendly duel between enthusiastic opponents. The actual purpose is to get the two to duel to the death. Laertes weapon is poisoned, which means any strike will kill.

Claudius directs Osric to give arms to Hamlet and Laertes. The rules are set, the two begin. Hamlet moves well, makes the first hit. The King, the murderer, offers the poisoned cup to Hamlet; a reward for the successful hit. Ignoring him, Hamlet continues and makes a second hit. The Queen reaches for the wine takes a sip, misses Claudius warning, too late, too late .... Laertes wounds Hamlet, both drop their rapiers, exchange weapons accidentally.... Hamlet wounds Laertes with the poisoned sword. The Queen falls .... Laertes knows he's dying from his own poisoned sword ....

Claudius is too late to prevent his so called beloved Queen from taking the fatal dose, he's so intent on killing Hamlet , nothing else matters, not even her, his was a paltry attempt to stop her, He took no risk at all ....

Laertes reveals to Hamlet that Hamlets wound is mortal because he's been poisoned .... Laertes is dying for the same reason .... The Mother, Queen Gertrude is poisoned, dying, she cries out to Hamlet to warn him realizing the betrayal .... Hamlet at once strikes, wounds the King with the rapier , grabs the poison cup, saying, "Here thou incestuous murderous damned Dane, drink of this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my Mother." Grasps the King, pours the poison down the man's clamping struggling throat, then the King dies.