Act 5 ~ Hamlet

Hamlet talks to the gravedigger. He is very inquisitive of what he is doing, as usual. Hamlet wants to know who the grave is for and their gender, but also asks many questions about the gravedigger's personal life. As he continues to talk to the gravedigger, we see a side of Hamlet not normally displayed in the presence of his mother, Gertrude, and King Claudius. The Gravedigger tells Hamlet information he has heard about Hamlet, not knowing it was he that he was talking to and makes jokes about him and England. 

He says: 

GRAVEDIGGER: It was the very same day that young Hamlet was born-- he that is mad, and

 sent to England.

HAMLET: Ay, marry, why was he sent to England?

GRAVEDIGGER: Why, because he was mad. He shall recover his wits there. Or if he do not, 'tis no great matter there.

HAMLET: Why?

GRAVEDIGGER: 'Twill not be seen in him there. There the men are as mad as he. 

 (5.1.152-160)

By talking to the gravedigger Hamlet is able to discover the thoughts of everyone around him and what information has been spread around. When the Gravedigger makes a joke on England, Hamlet doesn't understand. He says that the English people will not notice Hamlet's madness because they are all mad.