Act IV, Scene 6:

Some sailors approach Horatio, claiming to have a letter for him. Horatio is surprised to see that the letter is from Hamlet. Hamlet explains that his ship to England was attacked by pirates, who have now returned him to Denmark. In his letter, Hamlet tells Horatio that the sailors also have letters for the king. He instructs Horatio to oversee the delivery of the letters and then come meet him as soon as possible afterward. Hamlet mentions that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are still headed for England and says that he has much to reveal about them.

Analysis

The unlikely capture-rescue of Hamlet by the pirates is, of course, dramatically necessary to effect Hamlet’s return to Denmark, but it strains plausibility even more than the turn of events in the final sword fight (Act V, Scene 2). The interface between possibility and plausibility is stretched taut. This unlikely series of events, however, does reinforce Hamlet’s frequent remarks about the role of fate in men’s lives.

Hamlet’s use of the phrase, “compelled valor,” echoes his rebuke to his mother in Act III, Scene 4: “Assume a virtue, if you have it not.” As Hamlet feigned bravery in boarding the pirate ship, Gertrude was urged to feign virtue in absenting herself from Claudius’ bed. The motif of illusion versus reality, seeming versus being, play acting versus genuine, is again foregrounded.