1.2.165-205 (Alyssa!)

The question I originally asked was, "How does the tone of the conversation between Hamlet and Horatio change as the passage continues? How does their interaction show that Horatio is a loyal friend?"

In each response to my question, everyone agreed that Horatio proves himself to be a loyal friend in this passage, mostly because Horatio's tone adjusts as Hamlet's does. If Hamlet jokes, then Horatio also jokes, but if Hamlet is sad, then Horatio is also sad and serious. Throughout the passage, Horatio listens to Hamlet and takes on the role as his friend and confidant by changing his tone and mood to what Hamlet most needs at the time. The simple fact that Hamlet can joke with Horatio even during this time of unbearable sadness reveals the trust between them, but additionally, Hamlet expresses to Horatio the resentment that he has not expressed to anyone else so far, conveying that his friendship with Horatio is the only thing he can truly count on, at least for now.