"That, on the view and knowing of these contents, / Without debatement further, more or less, / He should those bearers put to sudden death, / Not shriving time allowed" (5.2. 49-52)
Hamlet intercepted the letter and was able to change the contents of said letter. He rewrote it so that it told the receiver to kill Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. This act exhibits two important qualities of Hamlet: his cleverness and his sanity. Hamlet was aware that Fortinbras would believe that the letter was from Claudius and that any request would thus be carried out without hesitation. Hamlet wanted Rosencrantz and Guildenstern out of the way for their insubordination. His sanity is also exhibited because an insane man would not be able to replicate the seal and the handwriting of a servant successfully. He probably would not have been discreet with the letter, and he probably would have given it away in the letter. The fact that he planned this out so well and followed through with it successfully exemplifies what makes Hamlet such an appealing protagonist.
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