Topic > Essay on Death in Hamlet - 1881

However, when Claudius sends Hamlet to England, Hamlet meets one of Fortinbras' soldiers. Hamlet learns of Fortinbras' plans and finds him to be a chivalrous man. Influenced by Fortinbras' courage and sense of duty, Hamlet realizes that "his honor is at stake [...] to have a father killed, a mother stained [...] while to my shame I see" (4.4.56-59) . Hamlet must defend his honor whatever the cost, even if he has to pay with his life. He still longs for his death but not to seek refuge from the pain, rather to protect his honor and dignity. This shows a change in attitude because he now has a reason to avenge his father's (Kubresli) murder. Hamlet sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths and returns to Denmark. He realizes that death is inevitable and now embraces it for honor, not pain relief. This is a critical turning point in the perception of Hamlet