1. To carry on the story: Horatio is the only character who truly understands the events that transpired. He witnessed the entire tragedy, including Hamlet's revenge, the deaths of the King, Queen, Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. His survival allows the story to be told, ensuring that the truth of Hamlet's actions and the consequences of his revenge are not lost.
2. To honor Hamlet's request: In the final scene, Hamlet specifically requests Horatio to live and "tell his story." Hamlet, with his dying breath, trusts Horatio to be the one to recount the events truthfully and with justice to his memory.
3. To provide closure and hope for the future: While the play ends with a significant number of deaths, Horatio's survival offers a glimmer of hope. He represents the possibility of moving forward from the tragedy and carrying the lessons learned from Hamlet's journey into the future.
4. To emphasize the theme of mortality: Horatio's survival, in contrast to the deaths of all the other characters, emphasizes the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. This reinforces the play's exploration of mortality and the human condition.
5. To solidify Horatio's role as a true friend: Horatio remains loyal and steadfast throughout the play, providing Hamlet with support and comfort. His survival is a testament to his unwavering friendship and the power of loyalty in the face of tragedy.
In conclusion, Horatio's survival at the end of Hamlet serves several important purposes: to ensure the continuation of the story, to honor Hamlet's request, to offer a glimmer of hope for the future, to highlight the theme of mortality, and to solidify Horatio's character as a loyal and true friend.