Hamlet Kills Polonius Behind the Arras in Gertrude's Closet — Hamlet

During Hamlet's confrontation with Gertrude in her chamber, Polonius hides behind the arras to eavesdrop on their conversation. When Gertrude cries out for help, fearing Hamlet might harm her, Polonius echoes her call from behind the tapestry. Hamlet, believing the hidden figure to be Claudius, immediately draws his sword and thrusts it through the arras, killing Polonius instantly. Upon discovering his mistake, Hamlet shows little remorse, calling Polonius a "wretched, rash, intruding fool" and stating he mistook him for "thy better," meaning the King.

This impulsive murder transforms Hamlet from a contemplative avenger into an actual killer, yet he kills the wrong man, demonstrating how his delay and then rash action lead to tragic consequences. The death of Polonius sets in motion the play's final tragic sequence: it gives Claudius justification to send Hamlet to England, drives Ophelia to madness and death, and motivates Laertes to seek revenge against Hamlet. Hamlet's role shifts from righteous avenger to someone who must answer for his own violent deed, complicating the moral landscape of his mission.