ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet saying that he has been kidnapped by pirates but they’ve taken mercy on him. Meanwhile, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have gone to England.

Detailed explanation-2: -Horatio receives letters from a sailor sent by Hamlet. The first letter tells Horatio that pirates beset the ship on which Hamlet was being carried to England. In the ensuing battle, the pirates took Hamlet captive; they treated him well and brought him back to Denmark.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the letter, Hamlet says that his ship was captured by pirates, who have returned him to Denmark. He asks Horatio to escort the sailors to the king and queen, for they have messages for them as well. He also says that he has much to tell of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Detailed explanation-4: -The pirates are a plot device called a deus ex machina. The pirates took Hamlet as their prisoner, treated him well, and brought him back to Denmark. Hamlet says they did this because they wanted a favor from the prince. Hamlet then tells Horatio that Horatio has to let the sailors bring his other letters to Claudius.