Why do the gravediggers argue over Ophelia's burial at the start of Act 5?

The gravedigger throws up skulls while Hamlet watches. Whose skull does Hamlet hold and recognize through the gravedigger's story?

The gravedigger says he became sexton the day old Hamlet defeated Fortinbras. What does that detail also establish?

When the funeral procession enters, what makes Hamlet realize the grave is Ophelia's?

Why does the priest say Ophelia receives only limited, “maimed” rites?

In Act 5, Hamlet tells Horatio he found Claudius's commission to England. What did Hamlet do with it?

At the duel, why does Gertrude collapse?

How do both Hamlet and Laertes become poisoned in the fencing match?

Hamlet tells Horatio he has a bad feeling about the duel but goes anyway. What reason does he give?

Before the duel, why does Hamlet ask Laertes to pardon him?

Why does Laertes say he is not fully reconciled after Hamlet's apology?

What is Claudius trying to do when he drops the “pearl” in the cup and urges Hamlet to drink?

After Hamlet is dying, why does he stop Horatio from drinking the poison?

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.” What does Hamlet's address to the skull emphasize?

“Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay, / Might stop a hole to keep the wind away.” What does the image mean?

Hamlet says, “There's a divinity that shapes our ends, / Rough-hew them how we will.” What belief is he expressing?

At Ophelia's grave, Hamlet says, “Forty thousand brothers / Could not... Make up my sum.” What is he claiming?

“The drink, the drink! I am poison'd.” What happens right after Gertrude's line?

Osric brings the challenge in elaborate courtly language, and Hamlet mocks him. What does the exchange do before the duel?

The duel is staged as a formal sport with wagers, foils, and courtiers watching. What stage effect does that setup create?

Claudius says of Gertrude's drink, “It is the poison'd cup. It is too late,” but does not stop her. Which technique is strongest?

Fortinbras enters after Queen, Claudius, Laertes, and Hamlet have fallen. What does this final tableau show?

Yorick's skull and Hamlet's thought that Caesar's dust may patch a wall develop which Act 5 motif?

Laertes's poisoned foil and Claudius's poisoned cup both turn against the plotters. Which theme does this pattern support?

Horatio promises to tell the story, and Fortinbras orders Hamlet borne “like a soldier.” What concern closes the play?