1.9). "se offendendo meaning "in self-defense," its comical to listen to these two "gravediggers" as it is, then when one tries to act all sophisticated, it adds to the scene. The reader is now definitely more focused on the "gravediggers" than what is really happening in the play. But to make sure, Shakespeare throws in a riddle. "Clown 1" asks, "What is he that builds stronger than either / the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter" (5.1.41-42)? In response "Clown 2" answers, "The gallows-maker, for that outlives a thousand tenants" (5.1.43-44). This was not the real answer, but the First Clown appreciated it just the same, "I like thy wit well, in good faith / To't again, come" (501.45-49). .
After, Hamlet and Horatio came into the scene, the "First Clown" decided to answer the riddle: "Cudgel thy brains no more about it, for / your dull ass will not mend his pace with beating, and / when you are ask"d this question next, say "a grave- / maker": the houses he makes lasts till doomsday" (5.1.56-59). After this point, Shakespeare has pretty much equaled out the negative with a positive. Still lightheartedly, he starts to move the play to a different mood. .
While the "gravediggers" working and chatting in a carefree manner, Hamlet and Horatio are eavesdropping on them. As "Clown 2" exits, "Clown 1" remains singing. Hamlet is surprised that the digger can sing while he is doing such depressing work: he asks, "Has this fellow no feeling of his business? / "a sings in grave-making" (5.1.65-66). The reader has probably already thought about how the men could be talking so cheerily over a dead body. Just to make certain the reader understands this scene as being funny, Shakespeare makes Hamlet question what is going on. .
Continuing to sing and shovel at the same time, "Clown 1" throws up a skull. Hamlet is fascinated with this skull and starts ponder who it might have belonged to: " That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing / once.
