Does Hamlet appear as a martyr figure (or even Christ figure) in his final scene?
Yes, Hamlet does appear as a martyr in the final scene, because he has saved the soul of Denmark by giving up his own life and choosing an honest leader: O, I die, Horatio; The potent poison quite o’er-crows my spirit: I cannot live to hear the news from England; But I do prophesy the election lights On Fortinbras: he has my dying voice; So tell him, with the occurrents, more and less, Which have solicited. The rest is silence. (5.2.345-6). The final words of Jesus (“It is finished”) and Hamlet (“The rest is silence”) are similar, and Horatio beckoning the angels to carry Hamlet to rest reminds us of another biblical passage: And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (“Bible, King James Version”, John.20) I would also say that Hamlet becomes Christ-like, only in the very general sense that through his suffering his people are saved. Keep in mind that, unlike Jesus, Hamlet’s foremost intention was not to save
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