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How does Hamlet return to Denmark from England in Hamlet?

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Hamlet returns to Denmark from England after being sent there by King Claudius with a letter ordering his execution. On the ship, Hamlet discovers the letter, rewrites it to order the execution of his escorts, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, instead, and then encounters pirates. The pirates capture Hamlet but agree to return him to Denmark in exchange for a favor. Hamlet informs Horatio of his return through a letter.

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King Claudius sends Hamlet on a ship sailing from Denmark to England escorted by two of his old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who have been bribed by King Claudius to spy on Hamlet in return for a "king's favor." Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are in possession of a letter from the king. While onboard the ship, Hamlet steals the letter bearing the king's seal, carefully opens it, and reads the king's message. The letter contains instructions for Hamlet to quickly be beheaded upon his arrival in England.

Hamlet, feeling betrayed by his friends, rewrites the letter so that the instructions are for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to be beheaded instead. After carefully returning the letter, Hamlet's ship comes into conflict with pirates. Hamlet joins the group of pirates, and they agree to return him to Denmark if he will repay the favor. We learn of Hamlet's escape when he sends a letter to Horatio describing these events and his return to Denmark.

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