I will evaluate the significance of Act 5, scene 1, in the play "Hamlet". Before this scene, it was revealed by Gertrude that Ophelia had questionably drowned. Claudius uses his diplomatic skills and cunning reasoning to sway Laertes into becoming a deadly weapon against Hamlet. The audience is introduced to two new characters; the gravediggers, is been introduced to the major theme and imagery revolving around death. This scene is essential to the plot because it allows comic relief to be brought to the audience, as well it sets up for the events which take place in the last scene.
The principle character of this scene is the Gravedigger. It develops the character by mainly showing his incredible intellect, as it well portrays his vast knowledge of the dead. His wit is shown in lines 15-20 which state, "Give me leave. Here lies the water - good. Here stands the man - good. If the man go to this water and drown himself, it is, will he nill he, he goes, mark you that. But if the water come to him and drown him, he drowns not himself. Argal, he that is not guilty of his own death shortens not his own life." This shows his wit for he has managed to think of a way to kill oneself, without committing suicide. The Gravedigger's wit is also shown in line 117 which says, "Mine, sir." He refers to the grave he is digging, but puns the word "mine", for he means it belongs to him, not that it literally is his. It shows his knowledge of the dead in line 162, "A tanner will last you nine years." This refers to the actual time the body takes to decompose. These examples show the Gravedigger is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable of his job. His wit in the conversation with Hamlet allows for the comic relief to take full effect. Shakespeare also intends for this character's presentation of death to foreshadow the horrific events which take place at the end of the play.
The major theme developed in this scene is that of death.
