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"union"
Wordplay
Act 5,
Scene 2
Lines 264-269a

An explanation of the word “union” in Act 5, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Laertes

I can no more. The king, the king's to blame.

Hamlet

The point envenomed too? Then, venom, to thy work.
[He stabs Claudius.] 

All   

Treason, treason!

Claudius

Oh, yet defend me friends, I am but hurt.

Hamlet 

Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane, 
Drink off this potion. Is thy union here?

“Union” was a word for a large, precious pearl. But Hamlet could be making a pun, using “union” to refer to Claudius’ marriage union. In that sense, Hamlet is reminding Claudius about Gertrude’s death, and suggesting that he follow suit.