1. Mocking the "Tragical History": The clowns are clearly aware of the somber events unfolding in the play, particularly Hamlet's death. They make jokes about death and funeral rites, using the language of tragedy to create a darkly comedic effect. This mockery highlights the absurdity of death, suggesting that even in the face of profound grief, life goes on and humans find ways to cope, even with dark humor.
2. Commenting on the Nature of Reality: The clowns' cynical observations about the world ("this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory" and "the world is a very east and west, and a very good place to live in, if one can get to it") suggest a disillusionment with life's complexities. They question the meaning and purpose of existence, hinting at the existential anxieties that the play explores.
3. Foreshadowing the Ending: The clowns' conversation includes references to digging graves, finding skulls, and the inevitability of death. These foreshadow Hamlet's own burial and the play's ultimate conclusion. It subtly prepares the audience for the finality of the tragedy.
4. Satire of Societal Norms: The clowns' humorous exchange about the "poor fellow" who "is gone" hints at the play's critique of societal hypocrisy and the way people often ignore or dismiss suffering. They highlight the detachment of the privileged class from the realities faced by the less fortunate.
5. Setting the Tone for a Shift in the Play: The light-hearted banter of the clowns acts as a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the previous scenes. Their presence introduces a shift in the play's tone, leading to a final confrontation between Hamlet and Laertes, culminating in a sense of tragic closure.
In summary, the clowns' opening conversation in Act 5, Scene 2 of Hamlet is not merely lighthearted banter. It acts as a multifaceted commentary on the play's themes of death, mortality, social injustices, and the human condition. Their humor is dark, ironic, and serves to both entertain and provoke the audience, reminding them of the constant presence of absurdity and tragedy in life.