Summary of Hamlet by William Shakespeare: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a literature enthusiast who is curious to learn more about the masterpiece, Hamlet by William Shakespeare? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the plot, characters, themes, and symbols of this iconic play. Whether you're a student, scholar, or just a casual reader, this guide will provide you with all the necessary insights to fully appreciate and understand Hamlet.

Introduction

Hamlet is one of the most famous plays ever written by William Shakespeare. It tells the story of Prince Hamlet, who returns home to Denmark from studying abroad after his father's death, only to find that his uncle, Claudius, has married his mother and taken the throne. Hamlet becomes consumed with revenge, and the play is a tragic exploration of his psyche as he tries to avenge his father's death.

The Plot

The plot of Hamlet is complex and multi-layered, with many interweaving themes and subplots. The play begins with the ghost of Hamlet's father appearing to him and revealing that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius. Hamlet then sets out to avenge his father's death, but his plans are complicated by a series of other events, including his own inner turmoil, the relationship between Hamlet and his mother, and the political machinations of the court.

Act I

The play opens in the castle of Elsinore in Denmark, where the guards have just seen the ghost of the late King Hamlet. Horatio, a friend of Prince Hamlet, is skeptical but agrees to keep watch with the guards. In the next scene, we meet Prince Hamlet, who is mourning the death of his father and disturbed by his mother's hasty remarriage to his uncle, King Claudius.

Scene 1

The play opens on a cold winter night in Denmark outside the castle of Elsinore. The guards have just seen the ghost of the late King Hamlet and are discussing what to do. Horatio, a friend of Prince Hamlet, arrives at the castle and is told about the ghost. He is skeptical but agrees to keep watch with the guards that night.

Scene 2

In this scene, we meet Prince Hamlet, who is mourning the death of his father and disturbed by his mother's hasty remarriage to his uncle, King Claudius. He is also upset that his mother has married so soon after his father's death and feels that she has betrayed his father's memory.

Scene 3

In this scene, we meet Laertes and his sister Ophelia. Laertes is about to leave for France, and he warns his sister to be careful of Hamlet's affections. He believes that Hamlet's love for her is not sincere and that he will only hurt her.

Scene 4

In this scene, we see Prince Hamlet meet with the ghost of his father, who reveals that he was murdered by his own brother, King Claudius. Hamlet is shocked and vows to avenge his father's death.

Scene 5

In this scene, we see the tension between Prince Hamlet and King Claudius. Hamlet is sullen and withdrawn, and Claudius is concerned about his behavior. He sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlet's childhood friends, to try to figure out what is wrong with him.

Scene 6

In this scene, we see the players arrive at the castle. Prince Hamlet is excited to see them and asks them to perform a play that he has written himself. He hopes that the play will reveal whether or not King Claudius is guilty of murdering his father.

Scene 7

In this final scene of Act I, we see the play within a play. The play is called The Murder of Gonzago, and it is a reenactment of the murder of King Hamlet. Hamlet watches King Claudius's reaction to the play, and when he sees that Claudius is disturbed, he knows that he has confirmed his uncle's guilt.

Conclusion

Act I of Hamlet sets the stage for the rest of the play. We see the tension between Hamlet and Claudius, the revelation of the ghost, and Hamlet's vow to avenge his father's death. We also see the introduction of important characters like Laertes and Ophelia, as well as the players who will perform the play within a play. Act I sets the tone for the rest of the play, which is filled with revenge, madness, and tragedy.

Act II

Act II of Hamlet opens with Polonius sending his servant Reynaldo to France to spy on Laertes. Meanwhile, in the castle, King Claudius and Queen Gertrude are worried about Hamlet's recent behavior and decide to send for two of Hamlet's school friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to try to find out what is wrong with him.

Scene 1

In the first scene of Act II, Polonius sends Reynaldo to France to spy on Laertes. He instructs Reynaldo to spread rumors about Laertes' behavior and see if anyone will confirm them. Meanwhile, Polonius plans to use this information to make sure that his son stays out of trouble while he is away.

Scene 2

In this scene, we see Hamlet's behavior becoming more erratic. He pretends to be mad and insults Polonius when he tries to talk to him. When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive, they try to cheer Hamlet up, but he sees through their attempts and is suspicious of them.

Scene 3

In this scene, we see the players rehearsing their play, which is based on the story of Pyrrhus, who avenges his father's death. Hamlet sees this as a parallel to his own situation and is inspired to continue his quest for revenge.

Scene 4

In this scene, we see Polonius talking to Hamlet, trying to get him to reveal what is bothering him. Hamlet toys with Polonius and tells him that he knows he is a "fishmonger" and that his daughter Ophelia should become a nun. This scene is an example of Hamlet's use of humor and wordplay to mask his true intentions.

Scene 5

In this scene, we see the players perform their play for the court. The play is called The Murder of Gonzago and is a reenactment of King Hamlet's murder. Hamlet watches King Claudius's reaction and sees that he is upset by the play, confirming his guilt.

Scene 6

In this final scene of Act II, we see Hamlet's plan to test King Claudius's guilt. He meets with the players and asks them to perform a new version of the play that includes a speech he has written himself. The speech is about the Trojan War, but Hamlet has added a few lines that will reveal whether or not Claudius is guilty of murder.

Conclusion

Act II of Hamlet is where we see Hamlet's behavior becoming more erratic and his plan to avenge his father's death becoming more concrete. We also see the introduction of the play within a play, which will play a significant role in the rest of the play. We see Hamlet's use of humor and wordplay to mask his true intentions, and his suspicion of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Overall, Act II sets the stage for the tragic events to come in the rest of the play.

Act III

Act III of Hamlet is where we see the play reach its climax. In this act, we see the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, the murder of Polonius, and Hamlet's confrontation with his mother, Queen Gertrude.

Scene 1

In the first scene of Act III, Hamlet delivers his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. He contemplates the nature of life and death and whether it is better to suffer through life or to end it all. This scene is one of the most iconic in all of literature and is often quoted and referenced in popular culture.

Scene 2

In this scene, Hamlet confronts Ophelia, who has been ordered by Polonius to return his love letters. Hamlet is angry and accuses Ophelia of being a "breeder of sinners." This scene is an example of Hamlet's misogyny and his tendency to take out his anger on the women in his life.

Scene 3

In this scene, we see Claudius trying to pray for forgiveness for his sins. Hamlet sneaks up behind him, but decides not to kill him because he wants to make sure that Claudius is sent to hell. This scene is significant because it shows Hamlet's internal struggle with whether or not to kill Claudius and highlights his desire for revenge.

Scene 4

In this scene, we see the murder of Polonius. Hamlet mistakes Polonius for Claudius and stabs him through the arras. This scene is significant because it shows Hamlet's descent into madness and highlights the consequences of his actions.

Scene 5

In this scene, we see Hamlet confront his mother, Queen Gertrude. He accuses her of being involved in King Hamlet's murder and tells her that she has made a "incestuous" bed with Claudius. This scene is significant because it shows the breakdown of the mother-son relationship and highlights the theme of betrayal.

Scene 6

In this final scene of Act III, we see Hamlet reflect on his actions and decide to send Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths in England. He also decides to take action and finally avenge his father's death by killing Claudius. This scene is significant because it shows Hamlet's decision to finally take action and highlights the theme of revenge.

Conclusion

Act III of Hamlet is where we see the play reach its climax. We see Hamlet deliver his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, the murder of Polonius, and Hamlet's confrontation with his mother, Queen Gertrude. We also see Hamlet's internal struggle with whether or not to kill Claudius and his decision to finally take action and avenge his father's death. Overall, Act III is a pivotal act in the play and sets the stage for the tragic events to come in the final acts.

Act IV

Act IV of Hamlet is where we see the tragic events of the play unfold. In this act, we see the deaths of several characters, including Ophelia and Laertes, and the final confrontation between Hamlet and Claudius.

Scene 1

In the first scene of Act IV, we see Gertrude informing Claudius of Ophelia's madness and her subsequent drowning. This scene is significant because it highlights the theme of madness and the tragic consequences that can result from it.

Scene 2

In this scene, we see Hamlet return from England and confronts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He discovers that they were carrying a letter from Claudius instructing the English king to execute him upon arrival. Hamlet replaces the letter with one ordering the execution of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern instead. This scene is significant because it shows Hamlet's cunning and his willingness to take drastic action to protect himself.

Scene 3

In this scene, we see Laertes return to Denmark to avenge his father's death. He conspires with Claudius to kill Hamlet by challenging him to a duel. Claudius also poisons the tip of Laertes' sword to ensure that Hamlet will die. This scene is significant because it sets the stage for the tragic events to come in the final scene.

Scene 4

In this scene, we see Hamlet and Horatio discussing the upcoming duel. Hamlet reveals that he has a feeling that he will not survive and that he has made his peace with death. This scene is significant because it highlights Hamlet's acceptance of his fate and his decision to finally confront his demons.

Scene 5

In the final scene of Act IV, we see the tragic conclusion of the play. During the duel, Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned sword, and in the confusion, Gertrude drinks from a poisoned cup meant for Hamlet. Laertes dies from his own sword wound, and before he dies, he confesses to his part in the plot to kill Hamlet. Hamlet, in a fit of rage, stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword, finally avenging his father's death. This scene is significant because it shows the tragic consequences of revenge and highlights the theme of mortality.

Conclusion

Act IV of Hamlet is where we see the tragic events of the play unfold. We see the deaths of several characters, including Ophelia and Laertes, and the final confrontation between Hamlet and Claudius. This act sets the stage for the final act of the play, where we see the tragic consequences of revenge and the ultimate cost of the characters' actions. Overall, Act IV is a pivotal act in the play and highlights the themes of mortality, revenge, and tragedy.

Act V

Act V of Hamlet is the final act of the play, where we see the tragic conclusion of the events that have been unfolding throughout the play. This act is significant because it highlights the themes of mortality, revenge, and the consequences of the characters' actions.

Scene 1

In the first scene of Act V, we see the gravediggers preparing Ophelia's grave. Hamlet and Horatio arrive, and Hamlet engages in a conversation with one of the gravediggers. During this conversation, Hamlet reflects on the inevitability of death and the fragility of human life. This scene is significant because it highlights the theme of mortality and sets the stage for the tragic events that will unfold later in the act.

Scene 2

In this scene, we see the final confrontation between Hamlet and Laertes. Laertes reveals that he was responsible for the plot to kill Hamlet and that he is dying from the same poison that was on the tip of his sword. Hamlet finally kills Claudius with the poisoned sword, avenging his father's death. This scene is significant because it shows the tragic consequences of revenge and highlights the theme of mortality.

Scene 3

In the final scene of the play, we see the tragic conclusion of the events that have been unfolding throughout the play. Hamlet dies from the poison on Laertes' sword, and Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, arrives and assumes control of the kingdom. Horatio is left to tell the tragic story of Hamlet's downfall. This scene is significant because it highlights the consequences of the characters' actions and reinforces the themes of mortality and tragedy.

The Characters

The characters in Hamlet are some of the most iconic in literature, and each plays an important role in the plot and themes of the play.

Hamlet

Hamlet is the prince of Denmark and the main protagonist of the play. He is a complex character, consumed with grief and anger over his father's death and the political situation in Denmark. He is known for his soliloquies and for his famous line, "To be or not to be."

Claudius

Claudius is Hamlet's uncle and the new king of Denmark. He is the antagonist of the play, having murdered his own brother to gain the throne. He is a manipulative and cunning character, who tries to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to his reign.

Ophelia

Ophelia is a tragic character, who is caught between her loyalty to her father and her love for Hamlet. She becomes increasingly unstable as the play progresses, eventually leading to her suicide.

Polonius

Polonius is Ophelia's father and an advisor to King Claudius. He is a meddling and long-winded character, who is ultimately killed by Hamlet.

Gertrude

Gertrude is Hamlet's mother and the queen of Denmark. She is caught between her loyalty to her son and her new husband, Claudius. Her relationship with Hamlet is a major theme in the play.

Laertes

Laertes is Ophelia's brother and a foil to Hamlet. He seeks revenge for his father's death and is ultimately killed in a duel with Hamlet.

The Ghost

The Ghost is the spirit of Hamlet's father, who appears to him at the beginning of the play and sets the events in motion.

Themes

Hamlet is a complex play with many themes, including:

Revenge

Revenge is the central theme of Hamlet. The play explores the psychological effects of revenge and the toll it takes on those who seek it.

Madness

Madness is a recurring theme in Hamlet, as Hamlet feigns madness to gain access to Claudius and several other characters become increasingly unstable as the play progresses.

Family

Family relationships are a major theme in Hamlet, as Hamlet's relationship with his mother and father are central to the plot.

Politics

Politics is a major theme in Hamlet, as the political machinations of the court play a significant role in the plot.

Symbols

There are several symbols in Hamlet that are used to convey meaning and theme:

The Ghost

The Ghost is a symbol of the past and the supernatural. It represents the memory of Hamlet's father and the revenge that Hamlet seeks.

The Play Within a Play

The play within a play is a symbol of deception and the power of art to reveal the truth. It is also a symbol of Hamlet's own madness.

The Skull

The skull is a symbol of death and mortality. It represents the inevitability of death and the futility of revenge.

FAQs

Q: Who wrote Hamlet?

A: Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare.

Q: When was Hamlet first performed?

A: Hamlet was first performed in 1609.

Q: What is the main theme of Hamlet?

A: The main theme of Hamlet is revenge.

Q: What is the significance of the play within a play in Hamlet?

A: The play within a play is a symbol of deception and the power of art to reveal the truth.

Q: Why is Hamlet considered a tragedy?

A: Hamlet is considered a tragedy because all the major characters are killed in the end.

Q: What is the role of the Ghost in Hamlet?

A: The Ghost is a symbol of the past and the supernatural. It represents the memory of Hamlet's father and the revenge that Hamlet seeks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hamlet is a masterpiece of English literature that explores themes of revenge, madness, family, and politics. The play is filled with iconic characters and symbols that have become a part of our cultural lexicon. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with a better understanding and appreciation of this timeless classic.