Hamlet Document Assignments

Hamlet Document: Act 2 Question #3
Tyler Cabral
ENG3UO
Mr. Gale

Dear Diary,
As a close friend of Lord Hamlet, ‘tis a responsibility of mine to protect and guide him even more at crucial times as these. In his current state of mind, after the death of his dear father, many a fellow may attempt to take advantage of his Lordship with false words of sorrow.
‘Tis two nights since Lord Hamlet’s friends from Wittenburg do arrive to the castle. I have heard many kind words of them from dear Hamlet but I am afraid he hath been deceived. Lord Hamlet did tell me about his encounter with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He described to me their overly kind words and how they did speak false truths about their intentions. His Lordship’s cunningness did discover that the King and Queen hath sent these two fellows to keep watch and draw out pure words from Lord Hamlet.
‘Tis truly uncomforting to see two dear friends of my Lord walking cheerfully about, yet holding a hidden agenda. One surely cannot trust a fellow so easily persuaded to do the bidding of another. One must come to se this as treacherous; a traitor if there e’er was one. Nay, I think it is safer for Lord Hamlet to not confide his secrets and thoughts in these treacherous fools.
Though Lord Hamlet did tell me the men confessed their intentions after further questioning, I belive if they were truly my Lord’s companions, they would have confessed it at once. At least ‘tis what I would do, a true companion to Lord Hamlet.
‘Tis true, there is indeed something rotten in the state of Denmark. Lord Hamlet would be wise to take no chances with traitors who say they are friends yet hide such deeds from their Lord.

Hamlet Document: Act 3 Question 5
Tyler Cabral
ENG3UO
Mr. Gale
Dear Horatio,
My dear friend I have found myself in a sea of sorrows and troubles wherein it is difficult to stay a float. As the days go by my mind seems to grow weaker. My father hath left me with a task and yet all this time I have failed to take any action. Instead of putting an end to the problem at hand I have only come face to face with even more problems.
The main cause of my hesitation grew from the fear that the devil hath been toying with my thoughts and mind. I feared the ghost of my father could possibly be an image casted by satin. I instructed the players to perform such a play in hopes that I could prove whether the ghost was worthy. According to Claudius’ reaction tonight, as you and I have both witnessed, I believe the ghost is indeed my father.
There was a time when I could have finished the deed Horatio. On the way to my mother’s chamber I overheard a voice i’ the church. As I approached I realized the voice belonged to my uncle. Immediately my blood started to boil and I remembered my father’s vengeful words. I was but a second away from striking Claudius when his words suddenly filled my ears. I realized Claudius was praying. Confessing his sins and asking the Lord for forgiveness for murdering my dear father. I was taken aback by a sudden thought. If I was to murder Claudius he would be sent to heaven after repenting his sins and I would surely go to hell for murdering mine uncle in God’s home. Thus conscience does make cowards of us all. I am no closer to avenging my father and now I must find another opportunity to slay my father’s murderer.
I have concluded that I shall strike the sword that shall end Claudius’ life when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, or at gaming, swearing, or about some act that has no relish of salvation in’t. He will be damned to go to hell where the scorching fires bid him in like arms wide open. And perchance I follow him to hell at least I will have succeeded in avenging my dear father.
I have already murdered one man tonight. The poor fool Polonius hid behind a tapestry in my mother’s chamber when I spoke to her. The foolish nave cried for fear that I had harmed my mother. At the time I had thought it might have been Claudius acting on his usual spying ways and I could not control my anger. In that room I did see my father’s spirit once more. My mother thought I insane for she could not see who I spoke to. When my father’s spirit hath left the chamber I convinced my mother that surely I was sane. She agreed to lead Claudius to believe I am indeed insane as to strike any suspicious. Now I will plan the end of my villainous uncle.
Horatio, my dear friend, I now know what I must do. Leave me to my duties of my father. Just know thou are a most trustworthy friend a man could ever hope to have.
Sincerely Hamlet

Act 4 Document: Act 4 Question #4
Tyler Cabral
ENG3UO
Mr. Gale
Dear the royal and brave Fortinbras,
It is I, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. One should think it strange that I am writing such a letter to another prince, but my purpose is to praise you for your Lordship. These past months I have experienced immense sorrow and thus I am utterly confused. My mind and soul have been shattered and I cannot find the strength to do what has been put into my hands. But I look to you, delicate and tender; you rule a nation as do I and yet I am not half as great as you.
I have word of your plan to take Polish land by force. Land, that even five ducats would not tempt a soul to farm it. The death of twenty thousand souls is imminent and yet I do not name you foolish; instead it is the opposite. I confess I am both green and proud. The world will know the nobility and honour of the Norwegian men. To their graves like beds, fight for a plot in order to keep pure the name of their country. I’m afraid for the present I am not worthy of my title. I alone hold the key to bring back honour to the name of my father and yet I do nothing. Some craven scruple of thinking too precisely on the event hath named me coward. Fear and uncertainty hath blinded what I used to know to be the honourable act. I admire how you make mouth at the unkown. It is something I desire greatly. To act on instinct and do what my heart knows true yet my mind doth try to deceive.
I confess my mind wishes for another body to home but deep in mine heart I know my cause is too great for another to bear. ‘Tis a chance to prove to my country, my father, and to my self that I am fit to hold such title as Prince. Go forth dear Fortinbras. Take what land is rightly owned by the brave. Thou must do what needs to be done for the honour of Norway and thine uncle, and I shall do for the honour of my father. Pray for my success as I do yours. Fair the well.
Prince Hamlet

Hamlet Document: Act 5 Question # 4
Tyler Cabral
ENG3UO
Mr. Gale
My dear son Hamlet has finally avenged thy father’s foul, strange, and unnatural death. Yet the consequences are most grave. All that I’ve ever dearly loved has perished.
I had no desire for this unfortunate event and I confess I do believe I must share a portion of the blame. I would give my life ten times over if I could ensure the safety of my kind. Alas perchance after all this sorrow has been done, we will rest happily in God’s kingdom.
I know of my dear Hamlet’s guilt of his steady progress in avenging my death. I feel my task hath brought much confusion for him, questioning his morals. I do not blame Hamlet for not killing Claudius in the church. I would not have my son descend to hell as my executioner rises to heaven. Hamlet’s “mouse trap” was a clever move which I pride upon. I am forever proud of my dear son for granting my devilish brother what he hath rightly won, an eternity in the depths of Satan’s fortress.
As for Fortinbras being crowned King of Denmark, I could not have dreamed up a soul better for the job. The Norwegians have proved their loyalty and honour for thine country. The wise and courageous Fortinbras will see through the acts of many a man in the future. No more shall a coward rule Denmark under Fortinbras’ rule. If my son thinks him suitable to call King then I am calm.
As for Horatio, thine heart is pure. I give e’er thanks for believing in my son through and through. Thine friendship hath kept him rightly on his feet. The name of Hamlet is in thine hands. Enlighten the world from all the darkness and lies my wretched brother hath spread. Hamlet and I shall be for e’er grateful.