What was the “moment of final suspense” in Hamlet?
The reader can think of the duel in Shakespeare’s tragedy’s Act 5, scene 2, as the “moment of last tension.” Hamlet and Laertes consented to the fencing contest in the previous scene. He was unprepared for Ophelia’s brother’s desire to murder him, disregarding Claudius’ involvement. Their fight turns into the play’s climax and “moment of tension.”
The “moment of last suspense” is what? It is the precise moment in a classical tragedy where the main character has one last chance to avert the tragic end’s devastating effects. A lack of understanding or self-awareness causes the protagonist to ignore danger. Other characters’ cautions are disregarded by him. Laertes and Hamlet’s fight is a classic example of a “moment of last suspense.”
Hamlet accepted the fencing bout without noticing a concealed warning. He believed that he was safe from harm. He believes Claudius has no chance of coming up with another strategy to harm him. He had no idea that Laertes intended to wreak revenge on Hamlet for the deaths of his sister Ophelia and father Polonius. He planned the duel with Claudius, poisoning the blade in secrecy.
Hamlet was injured by Laertes during the fencing competition. The protagonist compelled the antagonist to trade swords after realizing he would die. Then Hamlet used the blade to also reach Laertes. As a result of his own treason, he was “justly slain” (Act 5, Scene 2).
Gertrude, the mother of Hamlet, and his wife, Claudius, both died at his hands. He had prepared a cup of poison for Hamlet, and she sipped from it. Hamlet murdered Claudius in the close of the tragedy, just before he passed away. Therefore, he atoned for his parents’ deaths and restored his honor.
