Hamlet Summary
- After conversing with his father's ghost, Prince Hamlet learns that his father was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, who has since assumed Denmark's throne and married Hamlet's mother.
- Wary of the ghost's intentions, Hamlet seeks to confirm Claudius's guilt before taking his revenge. To deflect suspicion, Hamlet decides to make himself appear crazy.
- As Hamlet's increasingly erratic behavior wreaks havoc on the lives of those around him, it becomes less clear whether his madness is feigned or real.
Summary
In the ancient halls of Elsinore Castle, a ghostly specter roams, bearing an ominous message that sets the stage for tragedy. Prince Hamlet, deeply troubled by his father's death and his mother's swift remarriage to his uncle, Claudius, finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. This spectral encounter propels him into a quest for vengeance, where the lines between sanity and madness blur.
The Haunting Revelation
One night, Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father, the former king, who reveals a sinister truth: Claudius murdered him to usurp the throne and marry Queen Gertrude. Horrified, Hamlet swears to avenge this treachery but chooses to feign madness to investigate Claudius’s guilt without arousing suspicion. This decision plunges him into a world of deceit and internal conflict.
A Prince's Turmoil
Hamlet's erratic behavior soon becomes the subject of court gossip. Ophelia, whom Hamlet loves, is caught in the crossfire, as her father Polonius and brother Laertes caution her against the prince, suspecting his madness might stem from spurned affection. Hamlet, meanwhile, is unsure whether the ghost is a divine messenger or a deceitful spirit aiming to lead him astray.
Suspicions and Spies
Claudius, sensing a threat in Hamlet's behavior, enlists Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s old friends, to uncover the prince's motives. Despite their efforts, the prince remains elusive, his wit outmatching their schemes. Polonius proposes a plan to observe Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia, hoping to discern the root of his madness, yet the results are inconclusive.
Manipulation and Madness
As tensions rise, Claudius and Gertrude decide that sending Hamlet to England might restore peace. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Claudius's true intent is to have him executed abroad. Meanwhile, Hamlet hatches a plan of his own: he arranges for a play that mirrors his father's murder, hoping to provoke a guilty reaction from Claudius.
The Play's Telling Moment
The performance strikes its intended mark when Claudius abruptly leaves, confirming his guilt to Hamlet. Yet, Hamlet hesitates to act, even when he encounters Claudius in prayer, fearing that killing him would grant his uncle's soul salvation. This delay proves costly, as it sets off a chain of tragic events.
A Fatal Mistake
In a heated confrontation with his mother, Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius, who he assumes is Claudius spying on them. The act sets off a tragic spiral: Ophelia, devastated by her father's death, descends into madness and ultimately drowns. Laertes returns, seeking retribution for his family, and is manipulated by Claudius into a deadly scheme against Hamlet.
The Deadly Duel and Downfall
Claudius orchestrates a fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, ensuring Laertes wields a poisoned blade while also preparing a poisoned drink. What follows is a deadly spectacle: Gertrude accidentally drinks the poison, Laertes wounds Hamlet, and in the ensuing chaos, Hamlet strikes back, fatally wounding Laertes. Before dying, Laertes confesses Claudius's betrayal.
The Final Reckoning
With his dying breath, Laertes reveals Claudius's plot, spurring Hamlet to finally kill the king, stabbing him with the poisoned blade and forcing him to drink the remaining poison. As Hamlet himself succumbs, he implores Horatio to tell the tale of their tragic saga. Recognizing the end of an era, Hamlet names Fortinbras as his successor.
The Aftermath of Tragedy
Fortinbras arrives to a scene of devastating loss, with the royal court in ruins. He orders that Hamlet be carried away with honor, while Horatio remains, charged with the solemn duty of recounting the harrowing events that led to this somber conclusion. In the wake of so much death, a new chapter for Denmark is poised to begin under Fortinbras's rule.
Expert Q&A
Why did Shakespeare choose the name Hamlet?
Shakespeare chose the name Hamlet for his character based on the Danish mythological figure Amleth, whose story he likely knew well. Additionally, the name might honor his son, Hamnet, who died in 1596. Both names were Anglicized versions of Amleth, and Shakespeare may have expressed his grief in other works like King John, written the same year as Hamnet's death.
Why did William Shakespeare write Hamlet?
Shakespeare's motivation for writing "Hamlet" is not definitively known, but he was likely influenced by the world around him and earlier works, such as the lost play "Ur-Hamlet." Other possible influences include Saxo Grammaticus's Historiae Danicae and François de Belleforest's Histoires Tragiques, both of which contain similar plots. "Hamlet" was first performed around 1600, suggesting that contemporary events may also have played a role in its creation.
Who is the author of Hamlet?
The author of Hamlet is William Shakespeare. This tragic play, written around 1600-1602, explores themes of revenge, indecision, and justice as Prince Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder by his uncle, Claudius, who has usurped the throne and married Hamlet's mother. Hamlet's indecision and emotional struggles lead to his downfall, making it a profound exploration of human flaws and moral dilemmas.
What historical source might Shakespeare have used as a reference for Hamlet?
Shakespeare likely used Saxo Grammaticus's Gesta Danorum, a 12th-century Danish work, as a historical source for Hamlet. This text includes the story of Amleth, whose uncle kills his father and marries his mother, prompting Amleth to feign madness and seek revenge. The tale was later retold in French by Francois de Belleforest and possibly adapted by Thomas Kyd in the lost play "Ur-Hamlet," which may have directly influenced Shakespeare.
Plot Structure of Hamlet
The plot structure of Hamlet is built around a parallel revenge narrative, following a traditional tragic pyramid structure. The exposition introduces the main conflict: Hamlet's quest for revenge against Claudius, who murdered his father. The rising action includes Hamlet's feigned madness and the play-within-a-play to confirm Claudius's guilt. The climax occurs when Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, prompting a series of events leading to the resolution. The falling action involves Hamlet's exile and return, culminating in a deadly duel with Laertes and the restoration of order by Fortinbras.
When was Hamlet written?
Hamlet was likely written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1601. The first performances are documented around 1600 or 1601 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, with Richard Burbage playing the title role. While exact dates are challenging to confirm, these factors suggest that the play was probably completed in early 1600.
Hamlet's Main Plot and Supporting Subplots
In Hamlet, the main plot centers on Prince Hamlet's quest for revenge against his uncle Claudius, who murdered Hamlet's father to seize the throne. Subplots enrich the narrative and support the main themes. Fortinbras, Laertes, and Ophelia serve as foils to Hamlet, highlighting different reactions to familial loss and vengeance. Fortinbras's military decisiveness contrasts with Hamlet's indecision, while Laertes's impulsive revenge parallels Hamlet's delay. Ophelia's tragic descent into madness contrasts with Hamlet's feigned insanity, deepening the play's exploration of grief and revenge.
Hamlet's Historical Basis
William Shakespeare's Hamlet is not a true story but is inspired by the Scandinavian legend of Amleth, as recorded by Saxo Grammaticus in the 12th century. Both Amleth and Hamlet share themes of feigned madness and revenge, reflecting a connection between the stories. However, the historical accuracy of these legends is debated, and Shakespeare's play focuses on creating an emotionally impactful drama rather than a factual historical account.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
