It was the day of the fencing match between Laertes and the young prince. Everyone had heard about it, and the atmosphere in the castle was one of celebration. All the members of the court were placing bets on their favorite. Who would triumph,Laertes or Hamlet? Even Hamlet was in a good mood. He was looking forward to the sport of the fight. It was a good way to take his mind off all his troubles. After all, it was just for fun; they were using blunt swords. But Claudius and his partner Laertes knew differently.
The duel began in the castle's great hall. Both fencers were skillful, and the fight went on for some time. Finally, Laertes ran out of patience. He stuck the poisoned tip of his sword into Hamlet's arm. Hamlet was shocked that Laertes was using a sharp sword. He lost his temper, grabbed Laertes's sword,and pricked him with it. Thus, these two noble young men were doomed. The fatal poison was in both their veins.
All of a sudden, Queen Gertrude grasped her throat and cried out, I'm poisoned! And fell to the floor,dead. Gertrude had been unaware that Claudius had put poison in Hamlet's wine and had taken a sip of it.
Hamlet now realized that he was being deceived. He ordered that all the doors in the hall be closed. He didn't want anymore, especially Claudius,to escape. Laertes came up to Hamlet and confused:" Hamlet,my sword was dipped in a deadly poison. You have only thirsty minutes to live. And now I am the victim of my own treachery. But it is the King who is to blame.
Hamlet didn't have much time left. He picked up Laertes's sword and wounded Claudius with it. Then he forced his wicked uncle to swallow some of the poisoned wine. Claudius died on the spot.
At long last Hamlet had gotten revenge for his father's murder. He had kept his promise to the ghost, but only after bringing great tragedy on himself and many others. The young prince passed away a few minutes later. His death was mourned for a long time by the people of Denmark.