Ophelia's Burial

In this section we examine the politics and legal issues related to Ophelia's burial. The particular questions raised are as follows

1. Whether people who commit suicide are entitled to a church burial.
2. Does insanity effect this judgment?
3. The role of wit and will in cases of suicide.
4. The legal language in suicide cases.
5. The role of the coroner's inquest.
6. Whether the laws regarding suicide are bent for wealthy and influential people.


Since these questions are raised in the conversation between the first and second gravediggers at the opening of Act V of Hamlet, we will use that dialogue in lieu of an outline for the section. The different issues are coded to the different colors of the text. By clicking on the colored text, you are linked to a discussion of the related issue.