How did we all expect Hamlet to end? Did we expect Hamlet to outwit Claudius and reveal his crime? Did we expect Hamlet to shake off his depression and craziness and take the throne? Well, sadly if we expected any of these scenarios, or a variation of these scenarios we were sorely let down. The ending of Hamlet could not be more polarized from this wishful ending. As we know, in the final act Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, and Hamlet all die and Fortinbras launches an invasion in Denmark- an invasion that most suspect will be successful. While at face value this ending seems depressing and the opposite of satisfying, I believe that the ending can be seen as satisfying and redemptive if you look at in from the right perspective.

Let’s go back to the beginning. From the point that Hamlet suspects Claudius killed his father he gradually become more distant and strange as the play progresses. By act 2 Polonius declares to the Queen “your noble son is mad” (2.2.92). This is unfortunate because as Hamlet acts more distant in the play, the more distant he becomes from the reader. We slowly lose empathy for Hamlet and his situation, especially after he kills Polonius. Essentially, Hamlet loses his status as an empathetic character. The reader no longer has someone to “cheer” for in the play.

Now, back to the end. Yes, four characters meet an untimely end, but look closer. Hamlet recaptures our empathy. Not only does he seem to be more normal, but he seems human again. In Act 5 scene 1, Hamlet shows true sadness and is actually emotionally impacted by death when he finds Yorick’s skull. He cries “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.” (5.1.185-187). This death, even though it was long ago seems to greatly bother him. We also begin to sympathize with him again after we see his despair in Ophelia’s death and his true love for her professed. However, the final redemption of Hamlet comes when he and Laertes, who have mortally wounded each other, share forgiveness. Laertes asks “Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet” (5.2.330) and Hamlet accepts.

So, if you were looking for a positive ending where Hamlet “wins” in the end, you would be extremely disappointed. However, the ending of Hamlet is not solely depressing in death. It is satisfying in that the hero of the play was redeemed and found favor again and the readers/watchers of the play have someone to cheer for again.