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Read our detailed notes below on the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Our notes cover Hamlet summary, themes, characters and analysis.

Introduction

Hamlet is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare somewhat in 1599. The exact date of publication is unknown, however, many believe that it was published between 1601 and 1603. The play is set in Denmark.

Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, is Shakespeare’s longest play and is well-thought-out as the most influential literary work of literature. The play stages the revenge that Hamlet is to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, for killing his (Hamlet’s) father.

The story of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, is supposed to be derived from the fable of Amleth, written in the 13th century and reiterated in the 16th century by a scholar named Francois de Belleforest. We can assume the popularity of the play by this that throughout centuries, the role of Hamlet is staged by the highly skillful artist.

Hamlet has different version published at different ages. Each version is different from others as it includes lines or excludes them making them entirely different from other. The main characters of the play are Hamlet, the protagonist; Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle; Queen Gertrude; Polonius; Ophelia; Laertes. The major themes of the play include fate, free will, revenge, political instability, mortality, and madness. Yorick’s skull is the major symbol used by the writer to introduce artistic effect in the play.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare Summary

The play opens with Prince Hamlet being summoned to Denmark from Germany for his father’s funeral. When he reaches there, he finds that his mother Queen Gertrude has already remarried to his fraternal uncle, Claudius. For Hamlet, this marriage was a big shock and considered it “foul incest”. Even worse than this, Claudius has crowned himself disregard of the fact that being King’s son, this crown belongs to Hamlet. Hamlet doubts the whole scenario as foul play.

All of Hamlet’s doubts and suspicions are confirmed when his father’s ghost visits the Castle and complains that because he is murdered, he is unable to rest in peace. Moreover, the ghost claims that Claudius had poured poison in the ear of King Hamlet when he was sleeping causing his death. The king’s ghost, impotent to confess and find redemption, is now condemned to pass his days in despair and walk on earth at night. He persuades and begs his son Hamlet to take revenge from Claudius, however, he asks to spare Gertrude and let her fate decided by heaven.

Hamlet pledges to avenge his father’s death and wears a mask of madness so that he would be able to observe the interactions among people in the castle. However, by doing so, Hamlet finds himself somewhat very confused and questions the trustworthiness of the ghost. What if the ghost is a devil’s agent directed to allure him? What if by killing Claudius consequences Hamlet to revive his memory throughout for life? Hamlet cannot stop himself from over-thinking and worries over his thought and perceive them as his cowardice. Words restrict action, however, the world in which he lives pay back every action.

To test the sincerity of the Ghost. Hamlet takes help from the troupe of actors who staged a play named The Murder of Gonzago. Hamlet added few scenes to play that resembles the murder of the King Hamlet as described by the ghost. Hamlet named this revised play as “The Mousetrap”. The play is proved successful as the Claudius reacted to the play and seems to be conscience-stricken, as hoped by Prince Hamlet. Claudius immediately leaves the place as he faces difficulty to breathe. Prince Hamlet, being convinced by the sincerity of the ghost, vows to avenge his father’s death and decided to kill Claudius. But “conscience doth make cowards of us all”, as observed by Hamlet.

Hamlet, by his unwillingness to avenge Claudius, causes six subsidiary deaths. The first victim is Polonius, an old man, who is stabbed by Hamlet through a wall hanging as Polonius spies on hamlet and his mother. Claudius banishes Hamlet to England to punish him for Polonius’ death and instructs Hamlet’s school chums, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to handover him to English king for execution. Hamlet, during the journey, discovers what is going on and arranges a plot for the execution of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Ophelia, highly upset on her father’s death and Hamlet’s behavior, drown herself while singing a song and lamenting over the fate of a despised lover. Laertes, her brother, follows next.

When Laertes returned to Denmark to kill Claudius to avenge his father’s death, sees that Ophelia, his sister, has drowned by madness. Laertes, in the love of her sister, pledges to kill Hamlet for being the cause of Ophelia’s death. Through his creative words, Laertes convinced Claudius to kill Hamlet. Hamlet and Laertes have a sword fight. In the middle of the fight, Laertes drops his poisoned sword that is retrieved by Hamlet and wounds Laertes. Laertes tells Hamlet of the poisoned sword and as Hamlet is already been wounded by the sword, he, too, will die soon. Meanwhile, Horatio informs Hamlet that “Queen Falls”. Gertrude has drunk a sip from the poisoned cup, that was prepared by Claudius for Hamlet and she dies.

Laertes, before he dies, made another confession to Hamlet of his part in the plot and tell him the Claudius is responsible for Gertrude’s death. Enraged Hamlet stabs the poisoned sword into Claudius and pours the remaining poisoned wine into Claudius’ throat.

Before he dies, the throne should pass to the Prince Fortibras of Norway, declares Hamlet. He also begs his friend Horatio to tell him accurately the events that lead to such bloodshed.

The play ends with a grand funeral for Prince Hamlet as ordered by King Fortinbras of Denmark.

Themes in Hamlet

The question of life and death is introduced just as the play opens. Hamlet, throughout the play, ponders the complexity of life and considers the meaning of life. Throughout the play, many questions emerge as what happens when one dies? Will someone directly goes to heaven, if he/she is murdered? etc. Furthermore, Hamlet is very uncertain about the afterlife and causes him to quit suicide. The death of almost all the major characters of the play, towards the end of the play, doesn’t fully answer the question of mortality. The character of Hamlet represents exploration and discussion disregard of a true perseverance.

Hamlet, after hearing confessions from the ghost acts like a mad person to fool people in order to know the reality of the people around him. He acts so to prove himself harmless. However, this madness was recognized by Polonius. The irony arises when he falsely believes that Hamlet’s method stems from his love for Ophelia. It was impressive of Polonius that he recognizes the method behind Hamlet’s madness.

However, Hamlet starts losing his hold on reality by acting mad. He faces difficulty in handling the circumstances that are emotionally driven. Surrendering himself to physical violence displays that he has more issues than merely acting mad. This all scenario comes up with a question that what compels Hamlet to act such without considering the consequences?

There are only two female characters in the play Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother and Ophelia, Polonius’ daughter and Hamlet’s beloved.

Hamlets seem to be nervous while communicating with both of the women. In Hamlet’s life, both of these women have a special position, however, he is suspicious of both. The too early remarriage of her made him very suspicious of her mother. Secondly, Ophelia is in cahoots with her family and Hamlet realizes it when he starts acting mad.

Both of the ladies let Hamlet down. However, Ophelia is viewed as a victim of Hamlet brutality while Gertrude is represented as the more flexible character.

Political Livelihood

With the death of King Hamlet, the nation of Denmark starts deteriorating as the death of a king causes political turmoil in the country. Hamlet erratic behavior leads to unrest in the country. At various points in the play, the mad behavior of Hamlet is linked with the political livelihood of the country.

Hamlet Characters Analysis

He is the Prince of Denmark and son of the deceased king. He is called from Wittenberg University in Germany to attend his father’s funeral. When he reaches Denmark, he comes to know that his mother has remarried very soon to his uncle. Moreover, his uncle has crowned himself. This makes Hamlet very suspicious. These suspicious changes to reality when Hamlet encounters his father’s ghost. After hearing his father’s confession he vows to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet, in the play, is a highly confused person that leads to the bloody end of the play. To be or not to be is one the most celebrated dialogue of Hamlet and representation of his confused state of mind.

He is the present king of Denmark and brother of the deceased king, King Hamlet. He is accused of killing his brother and remarries widow of the Queen.

She is the Queen of Denmark and also the wife of deceased King Hamlet. She immediately remarries to Claudius, brother of King Hamlet.

He is a son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He is a student in Paris. Who first appears at the funeral of the King Hamlet and secondly at the death of his sister, Ophelia.

He is a loyal friend and a schoolmate of Prince Hamlet.

He is an old chief counselor of Claudius. He is murdered by Prince Hamlet when caught him spying.

She is the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes and Hamlet’s beloved. She commits suicide after her father’s death.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

The classmates of Hamlet at Wittenberg whom Claudius called to spy on him.

The minor characters of the play are:

He is King of Norway, who vows to avenge his father’s death who was killed by the Danes’ hands.

A minor character who acts as the messenger between Hamlet and Laertes.

Voltimand and Cornelius

They are the courtiers of Danish kingdom who are directed as diplomats to the Courtyard of Norway.

Marcellus and Barnardo

They are Danish officers who guard the castle of Elsinore.

A Danish soldier to guard castle of Elsinore.

A young man whom Polonius trains to spy on his son and report him.

Hamlet Literary Analysis

Throughout the play, Hamlets seems to be highly confused regarding the idea of death. His famous soliloquies line “to be or not to be” shows Hamlet confused mindset for suicide; whether he should suicide or not; what would be an afterlife.

The play has a turning point where Hamlet realizes at the graveyard and encounters the skull of a man whom he is fond of. In his contemplation, Hamlet realizes that death vanishes the class difference among society. Everything is created by man himself. All these differences are illusions that diminish with death.

The play demonstrates a conflict between fate and free will and this what the classical tragedians appreciated. In every great tragedy, there lies a struggle between the predisposition a man to accept the fate and his natural desire to control his destiny.

Whether it is Sophocles or Shakespeare, both demonstrate that there is a continuous struggle between destiny and choice to control human life. To Shakespeare, man’s dilemma is represented when he is given to choose between good and bad. In the play, Hamlet was well aware of his shortcomings and his powerlessness to stand for what is right and to correct what seems to be wrong to him.

He, through his intellectual guidance, tries to pursue his fate. Hamlet resembles a modern man who is tossed between good and bad. To him, there is nothing good or bad, it is what our thinking makes it so. Like Hamlet, every man struggles to live between what he expects and what he gets; the battle that a man never wins. God asks man one thing and he demands another.

More From William Shakespeare

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• The Merchant of Venice
• Twelfth Night
• The Taming of the Shrew
• As You Like It
• Much Ado About Nothing
• The Comedy of Errors

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William Shakespeare

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on William Shakespeare's Hamlet . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Hamlet: Introduction

Hamlet: plot summary, hamlet: detailed summary & analysis, hamlet: themes, hamlet: quotes, hamlet: characters, hamlet: symbols, hamlet: literary devices, hamlet: quizzes, hamlet: theme wheel, brief biography of william shakespeare.

Historical Context of Hamlet

Other books related to hamlet.

• Full Title: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
• When Written: Likely between 1599 and 1602
• Where Written: Stratford-upon-Avon or London, England
• When Published: First Quarto printed 1603; Second Quarto printed 1604; First Folio printed 1623
• Literary Period: Renaissance
• Genre: Tragic play; revenge play
• Setting: Elsinore Castle, Denmark, during the late Middle Ages
• Climax: After seeing Claudius’s emotional reaction to a play Hamlet has had staged in order to make Claudius face a fictionalized version of his own murder plot against the former king, Hamlet resolves to kill the Claudius without guilt.
• Antagonist: Claudius
• Point of View: Dramatic

Extra Credit for Hamlet

The Role of a Lifetime. The role of Hamlet is often considered one of the most challenging theatrical roles ever written, and has been widely interpreted on stage and screen by famous actors throughout history. Shakespeare is rumored to have originally written the role for John Burbage, one of the most well-known actors of the Elizabethan era. Since Shakespeare’s time, actors John Barrymore, Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, Jude Law, Kenneth Branagh, and Ethan Hawke are just a few actors who have tried their hand at playing the Dane. When Daniel Day-Lewis took to the stage as Hamlet in London in 1989, he left the stage mid-performance one night after reportedly seeing the ghost of his real father, the poet Cecil Day-Lewis, and has not acted in a single live theater production since.

Shakespeare or Not?  There are some who believe Shakespeare did not actually write many—or any—of the plays attributed to him. The most common “Anti-Stratfordian” theory is that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and used Shakespeare as a front man, as aristocrats were not supposed to write plays. Others claim Shakespeare’s contemporaries such as Thomas Kyd or Christopher Marlowe may have authored his works. Most contemporary scholarship, however, supports the idea that the Bard really did compose the numerous plays and poems which have established him, in the eyes of many, as the greatest writer in history.

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Summary of Hamlet: A Comprehensive Overview

Hamlet, also known as The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is perhaps William Shakespeare's most famous play, believed to have been written around 1600 and set in Denmark. At its core, the story follows young Prince Hamlet's quest for justice after his uncle Claudius kills Hamlet's father, the King. However, Hamlet is not your typical revenge-driven character. He's complex, grappling with moral questions and constantly questioning his actions.

This inner turmoil makes Hamlet a compelling and relatable character, which is why the play has been retold and adapted countless times, even in popular culture like The Lion King. It's considered a masterpiece of literature, resonating with audiences throughout the ages.

Let's continue reading to explore the main themes and symbolism further with our essay writing service . Whether you're looking for a brief Hamlet summary in 100 words or a more detailed analysis, our seamless breakdown has you covered.

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Hamlet Characters

Let's first delve into a brief character analysis of the key figures in William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Hamlet , the Prince of Denmark, is the son of the late King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. Returning from his studies, he is confronted with his father's death and his mother's hasty marriage to his uncle Claudius. Hamlet's suspicions are confirmed when the ghost of his father appears, revealing Claudius as the culprit behind his murder. This revelation sets Hamlet on a path of vengeance.

King Claudius , the brother of the deceased King Hamlet, seizes power by murdering his brother and marrying Queen Gertrude. He is depicted as cunning and manipulative, driven by base desires. Unlike Hamlet, Claudius acts impulsively without much regard for morality, as seen in his poisoning of King Hamlet before the play begins.

Gertrude , Hamlet's mother, remarries Claudius shortly after King Hamlet's death. Despite the circumstances, she appears unconcerned about her husband's murder, leading Hamlet to resent her.

Polonius , the chief counselor of the King, is the father of Ophelia and Laertes. He is portrayed as an unlikeable character, described by Hamlet as a "tedious old fool." His meddling in Hamlet's affairs ultimately leads to his accidental death at the hands of the prince.

Ophelia , Hamlet's love interest, is Polonius's daughter and Laertes's sister. Despite her affection for Hamlet, she is manipulated by her father and brother, which contributes to her descent into madness and eventual suicide.

The Ghost of Hamlet's Father appears to Hamlet, urging him to seek revenge against Claudius. His appearances throughout the play serve as catalysts for Hamlet's actions.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern , childhood friends of Hamlet, are tasked by Claudius to spy on the prince. However, Hamlet sees through their deception, and they meet their demise at the hands of pirates.

Horatio , described as Hamlet's true friend, is the only character who remains loyal to him. While his background remains unclear, he serves as a steadfast companion to Hamlet and survives the events of the play.

Hamlet Summary

This Hamlet summary offers a concise look at the play's plot, serving as a handy guide. Despite its lengthy and detailed nature, understanding the sequence of events, themes, and symbolism can greatly enhance your essay on Hamlet. Keep reading our Hamlet analysis to discover key themes explored in the play. And while you're at it, don't miss out on the Lord of the Flies book summary for more insights.

Prince Hamlet serves as the central character in the play. Prior to the events of the play, Claudius kills King Hamlet, Hamlet's father, marries Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, and claims the throne.

The setting of the play is the Kingdom of Denmark, which has long been at odds with Norway, fostering fears of invasion. One chilly night, while on patrol, two sentries, Bernardo and Marcellus, along with Hamlet's friend Horatio, encounter the ghost of King Hamlet. They pledge to inform Hamlet about the apparition.

The following day, during the court proceedings presided over by King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, Hamlet is consumed by despair. He struggles to come to terms with his mother's swift marriage to Claudius following his father's death.

Act 1, Scene 2 “A little more than kin and less than kind”

Horatio meets Hamlet and tells him about the ghost, and Hamlet is determined to see it. Elsewhere, during the royal court, we meet Polonius, his son Laertes, and his daughter Ophelia. Polonius says his farewells to Laertes, who is heading off to France, giving him solid fatherly advice:

Act 1, Scene 3 “This above all: to thine own self be true”

Before he leaves, Laertes warns his sister Ophelia to avoid Hamlet and to stop overthinking his attention towards her.

At night, on the ramparts, the ghost appears to Hamlet, and tells him that Claudius is behind is murder. The ghost urges Hamlet to avenge his death and vanishes. Hamlet tells his sentries and Horatio that they must put on an act, acting was if Hamlet had gone mad to disguise his plans for revenge. However, deep inside, Hamlet is unsure of whether to trust this ghost.

The scene opens with Ophelia hurriedly reporting to her father, Polonius, about Hamlet's peculiar behavior. Polonius advises her to ignore Hamlet's advances, attributing his behavior to love-induced madness. He then proceeds to inform King Claudius and Queen Gertrude about Hamlet's demeanor. In the royal chambers, we are introduced to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, childhood friends of Hamlet, whom the king and queen have tasked with investigating Hamlet's odd conduct.

Polonius shares his concerns about Hamlet's behavior and his theory about Hamlet's love interest. He even attempts to converse with Hamlet directly, but Hamlet feigns madness and mocks Polonius. Upon meeting his old friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet quickly discerns their role as spies.

The two acquaintances, having arrived with a troupe of actors, stage a play about the Trojan War at Hamlet's request. Impressed by their performance, Hamlet devises a plan to present another play, 'The Murder of Gonzago,' before Claudius. The plot mirrors the circumstances of King Hamlet's death, and Hamlet hopes to gauge Claudius's reaction to determine his guilt or innocence.

Act 2, Scene 2 “The spirit that I have seen

May be a devil…

I’ll have grounds

More relative than this”

Hamlet does not trust the ghost and seeks firmer evidence against Claudius.

In the next act, we see Polonius forcing Ophelia to return to Hamlet all of his tokens of love and study Hamlet’s reaction. Meanwhile, Hamlet is walking around the halls, giving his famous monologue.

Act 3, Scene 1 “To be or not to be, that is the question

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing, end them.”

Hamlet reflects on the bleakness of life, expressing his belief that suffering outweighs joy and that fear of the unknown prevents people from ending their lives.

When Ophelia returns tokens of love to Hamlet, he reacts with anger, leaving uncertainty about whether his emotions are genuine or if he is merely feigning madness. Claudius observes Hamlet's response and concludes that his madness is not love-induced.

During the performance of "The Murder of Gonzago," organized by Hamlet, he closely watches Claudius and studies his reactions. The play deeply disturbs Claudius, prompting him to abruptly leave and decide to send Hamlet to England. Hamlet, having observed Claudius's response, becomes convinced of his guilt in King Hamlet's murder.

Gertrude summons Hamlet to her chambers in distress. On his way, he encounters Claudius praying. Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius while he is praying, fearing that it would send his soul to heaven.

Upon reaching Gertrude's chambers, Hamlet engages in a heated argument with his mother. Hearing a noise behind a curtain, he impulsively stabs through it, mistakenly killing Polonius, who was hiding there.

The ghost of King Hamlet appears to Hamlet, warning him not to delay his revenge or further distress his mother. As Gertrude cannot see the ghost, she becomes more convinced of Hamlet's madness. The scene concludes with Hamlet dragging Polonius's corpse away.

Gertrude informs Claudius about Hamlet's actions, revealing that he has killed Polonius. In response, Claudius arranges for Hamlet to be sent to England, secretly plotting his demise there. He entrusts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with a sealed letter for the King of England, ordering Hamlet's execution. However, Hamlet discovers the letter and switches it with a forged one, condemning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to death instead. Meanwhile, King Fortinbras of Norway is mobilizing his army to invade Poland, crossing through Denmark.

As these events unfold, Ophelia descends into madness following her father's death and Hamlet's rejection. She wanders the countryside, distributing symbolic flowers and speaking in nonsensical rhymes. Her madness escalates until she drowns, though it remains unclear whether her death is accidental or intentional.

Laertes, Ophelia's brother, returns from France and is infuriated by his father's death and his sister's descent into madness. Convinced by Claudius that Hamlet is to blame, Laertes agrees to a plan for revenge. Claudius proposes a fencing match between Laertes and Hamlet, with Laertes wielding a poison-tipped foil. Additionally, Claudius plans to poison Hamlet's wine as a backup measure. However, the match is interrupted by Gertrude's sudden announcement of Ophelia's tragic demise.

In the fifth act, we encounter an iconic scene featuring two gravediggers discussing Ophelia's death or possible suicide while preparing her grave. Hamlet, accompanied by Horatio, joins the conversation and interacts with one of the gravediggers, who presents him with the skull of a jester from Hamlet's childhood. Reflecting on mortality, Hamlet muses, 'Alas, poor Yorick,' contemplating the inevitability of death.

Act 5, Scene 1 “That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once… This might be the pate of a politician, which this ass now o’er-reaches; one that would circumvent God”.

Hamlet reflects on how even those attempting to evade divine punishment cannot escape death's grasp.

As Ophelia's funeral procession approaches with Laertes leading, Hamlet and Horatio conceal themselves. Upon realizing Ophelia's identity, Hamlet reveals himself, leading to a tense confrontation between him and Laertes at the graveside, which is ultimately interrupted.

Back at Elsinore, Hamlet confides in Horatio about his journey, revealing Claudius's plot to have him killed. Hamlet's manipulation of Claudius's letter to ensure the demise of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is disclosed. Soon after, a courtier delivers a fencing challenge to Hamlet, which he accepts despite Horatio's protests.

Before the duel, Hamlet discovers Claudius's bet on his victory, part of a scheme to cover up his attempt on Hamlet's life. Uninterested in earning his uncle's respect, Hamlet proceeds with the match.

During the duel, Hamlet gains the upper hand, prompting Gertrude to raise a toast with the poisoned goblet intended for Hamlet by Claudius. As she drinks, Claudius attempts to intervene, but it's too late. Laertes, realizing the plan is unraveling, wounds Hamlet with the poisoned rapier. In the ensuing struggle, they exchange weapons, and Laertes is also injured by the poisoned blade. Gertrude collapses and succumbs to the poison.

In his final moments, Laertes reconciles with Hamlet, revealing Claudius's treachery. Hamlet, accepting Laertes's apology, rushes to Claudius and kills him.

As Hamlet feels the poison taking hold, he learns of Fortinbras's approach and appoints him as his successor to the throne. Horatio, nearly succumbing to despair, is urged by Hamlet to live and recount their story before Hamlet breathes his last in his friend's arms.

Fortinbras arrives at the palace, where he discovers the entire Danish royal family deceased. Assuming the throne, Fortinbras orders a dignified military funeral for Hamlet, honoring him as a fallen soldier.

Understanding Main Hamlet Themes

There are many themes within this iconic play, causing it to be one of the most discussed pieces of literature ever.

Action vs. Inaction: This theme revolves around Hamlet's internal conflict regarding whether to take action or remain passive. He constantly questions the morality of his decisions, particularly when it comes to seeking revenge for his father's murder. Hamlet's indecision drives discussions on morality throughout the play, ultimately leading to profound contemplations on life and death.

Religion, Honor, and Revenge: In Hamlet, characters often lecture each other on how to behave according to religious and aristocratic values. These values demand honor and justify seeking revenge to uphold one's reputation. However, as the story progresses, Hamlet becomes conflicted by the conflicting moral codes, leading to confusion about what constitutes justice and honorable behavior.

Appearance vs. Reality: This theme highlights the contrast between how things appear and their true nature. Characters in Hamlet often hide their true intentions behind facades, leading to misunderstandings and deception. Everyone is engaged in spying and attempting to decipher each other's true motives, adding layers of complexity to the relationships and events in the play.

Women's Roles: Hamlet's perception of women and their societal roles is explored throughout the play. He harbors a dark view of women, influenced by his mother's actions and his own experiences. Hamlet's disillusionment with women leads him to view them as deceitful and driven by sexual desire, shaping his interactions with female characters like Ophelia and Gertrude.

Historical and Societal Values: Hamlet also delves into broader themes related to historical and societal values prevalent in Elizabethan England. The play offers insights into the codes of conduct and power dynamics of the time, exposing the corruption within the monarchy and reflecting on the moral complexities of society. Through various scenes and characters, Hamlet sheds light on the social and political landscape of its time.

Dissecting Symbolism in Hamlet

This play does contain symbols but does not exaggerate their use. Here are a brief breakdown of the main symbols from our college essay writing service :

The Ghost: The Ghost in Hamlet serves as a symbol of impending doom and unrest in the state of Denmark. It is often interpreted as a harbinger of troubled times and represents the unresolved issues surrounding King Hamlet's death.

Ophelia's Flowers: Ophelia's flowers symbolize her descent into madness and her feelings of betrayal. As she distributes flowers to various characters, each flower carries symbolic meaning, reflecting Ophelia's inner turmoil and cry for help. Shakespeare may also use this symbolism to critique the characters' inability to understand or interpret symbols effectively.

The Skull of the Jester: Perhaps one of the most famous symbols in the play, the skull of the jester represents death, decay, and the futility of human existence. When Hamlet encounters the skull, it prompts reflections on mortality and the transient nature of life.

Poison: Poison serves as a symbol of deceit, betrayal, and corruption throughout the play. Claudius's use of poison to murder King Hamlet foreshadows the tragic events that unfold. The innocent-looking fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, tainted by poisoned blades and wine, underscores the pervasive corruption within the royal family.

Weather: Shakespeare utilizes the weather as a symbolic element to set the mood and foreshadow events. Bad weather often serves as an omen of impending trouble or unrest, while good weather symbolizes hope or positive developments. However, these symbols can be ambiguous and prone to overinterpretation, serving primarily to enhance the atmosphere of the play.

For an in-depth look at the symbolism, check our article: WHAT IS SYMBOLISM? REVIEWING EXAMPLES IN LITERATURE .

Final Words

In wrapping up, we hope this summary of Hamlet has shed light on its timeless brilliance, offering you valuable insights into its themes and symbolism. As one of Shakespeare's most celebrated works, Hamlet continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of morality, deception, and the human condition. And remember, you can always buy essay writing service from us whenever you need them.

We trust that our breakdown has provided clarity and depth, empowering students to engage more deeply with this iconic play. For those eager for more literary exploration, be sure to check out our Pride and Prejudice summary . Happy reading!

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Shakespeare’s‌ ‌Hamlet ‌Summary‌ and ‌Analysis‌

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So, what is Hamlet about? We have a concise one-sentence summary for you:

Hamlet is a story about a young prince who faces an inner dilemma whether to revenge for his father’s murder or not.

Want to learn more? Consider the Hamlet summary prepared by our writers.  It’s accurate, concise, and easy to comprehend. We’ve also explored the play’s message and themes in the analysis below.

• 🗃️ Short Summary
• 🗺️ Navigation

🎓 References

📝 hamlet: synopsis.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, studies in Germany. Suddenly, his father dies. As Hamlet comes home to his dad’s funeral, he discovers that his mother marries his uncle Claudius, who now takes the throne. Frustrated about his mother’s betrayal and uncle’s new status, Hamlet gets lost in his thoughts.

The tension becomes even stronger when Prince sees the Ghost of his father. The spirit claims that Claudius is the murderer and commands Hamlet to revenge. Prince is confused. His inner hesitation leads to impulsive actions that result in tragic consequences.

If this Hamlet overview too short for you, proceed to the plot summary below.

🗃️ Hamlet: Short Summary

Act 1: scene 1.

The action opens at Elsinore Castle in Denmark during the night. The guards notice the Ghost of the recently dead King. Being unsure of what they have witnessed, they bring Horatio, a learned scholar and friend of Prince. Horatio admits the presence of the Ghost and decides to share this mystery with Hamlet.

Act 1: Scene 2

Upon receiving news about his father’s death, the Prince of Denmark immediately returns from his university in Wittenberg, Germany, to attend the funeral. Then, Hamlet’s plot includes an unexpected twist. Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, marries Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius. Prince is disgusted by her decision to fall for another man right after her husband’s demise. What is more, Claudius becomes the new King of Denmark, which makes Hamlet even more frustrated.

Act 1: Scene 3

Meanwhile, the King’s advisor, Polonius, prepares his son, Laertes, for school in Paris. His sister, Ophelia, comes to say goodbye to him. Polonius and Laertes suspect that she has romantic feelings towards Hamlet. They warn her to stay away from Prince. She promises to her father and brother not to interact with Hamlet.

Act 1: Scene 4

The night comes, and the Ghost of the dead King appears in front of Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus. Everyone is shocked, yet Prince decides to follow the spirit, who seems to seek his company. His friends disagree, and that’s when Marcellus says, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Act 1: Scene 5

And so, Hamlet follows the Ghost. The spirit claims that Claudius is his murderer as he poisoned him to take the throne. He orders Hamlet to avenge him, and Prince quickly promises to do so. Later, he informs Horatio and Marcellus about his intentions. Also, he warns them that he is going to pretend mad until he gets revenge.

Act 2: Scene 1

Hamlet starts developing his plan of revenge. To confuse everyone around, he starts acting in a very erratic and alarming way. Polonius is confident that Hamlet is mad because Ophelia rejected him according to her father’s wish. He instructs his servant, Reynaldo, to spy on Laertes in Paris when Ophelia comes and describes her latest encounter with Prince.

Act 2: Scene 2

Gertrude is concerned about her son’s mental state. She asks Hamlet’s school friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to discover the cause of his strange behavior. Besides, Claudius is also worried, especially after Polonius’s suspicions. The advisor plots the plan to spy upon Hamlet. Yet, Prince sees through all his spies and mocks them.

Hamlet also develops his plan. A troop arrives at the castle to show a performance. Hamlet asks the actors to change their play, The Murder of Gonzago , a bit and add a scene that would depict his father’s death. Hamlet believes that Claudius’s reaction will reveal his guilt.

Act 3: Scene 1

Polonius and Claudius engage Ophelia in their evil plan. They ask the lady to meet Hamlet to return his presents and talk. During their meeting, Hamlet acts inadequately. He accuses innocent Ophelia of being two-faced and claims that he had never loved her. The lady is confused and frustrated, while Claudius and Polonius are overwhelmed.

Now, the King is uncertain of the real cause of Hamlet’s madness. Claudius becomes paranoid as he thinks that Prince knows the actual circumstances of his father’s death. He decides to send Hamlet to England. However, Polonius offers the King to make Prince reveal his inner thoughts to Gertrude, with the advisor eavesdropping. Claudius agrees.

Act 3: Scene 2

The troop performs the play, The Murder of Gonzago, which Hamlet directed. He asks Horatio to watch the King’s and Queen’s reactions to the story. He wants to guilt his mother and show his uncle’s true colors. Claudius’s response to the scene when the King is poisoned was suspicious, as noted by Horatio. It makes Hamlet sure Claudius is the real murderer.

Act 3: Scene 3

Now Claudius knows that Hamlet learned his secret. Unsure what to do, he asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to go to England with Prince. Then, he tries to pray, though he’s uncertain how. Meanwhile, Hamlet wants revenge on his uncle as soon as possible yet sees Claudius praying and hesitates. The man might go to heaven if he is killed right after the prayer. So, Prince decides to wait.

Act 3: Scene 4

The next episode of Hamlet’s plot summary takes place in Gertrude’s bedroom. The mother and the son have an intense conversation while Polonius is spying upon them behind the tapestry. Hamlet hears a noise. Enlarged, he stabs the tapestry and, consequently kills Polonius.

Gertrude is in shock, yet Hamlet doesn’t understand what happened. He sees the Ghost, who reminds him about the revenge. So, Hamlet begs his mother to stop sinning, promises that he’s sane, and leaves with the corpse.

Act 4: Scene 1

Claudius learns about Polonius’s demise from Gertrude. Afraid of Hamlet’s enlarged behavior, Claudius fears for his own life. He arranges everything to send Hamlet to England. Meanwhile, Gertrude acts as if her son has gone mad, according to his plan (or her understanding of the situation).

Act 4: Scene 2

According to Claudius’ order, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ask Hamlet to give them Polonius’s body. Prince mocks them some more, yet his childhood friends don’t understand his riddles and jokes. After the punchline where Hamlet mocks the King, he runs off.

Act 4: Scene 3

Now Claudius questions Hamlet regarding the corpse, and Prince jokes again and again. Finally, he reveals the body’s location while Claudius sends him to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Left alone, the King writes a secret letter where orders to kill Hamlet as soon as he arrives.

Act 4: Scene 4

On his way to England, Hamlet sees Fortinbras, nephew of the King of Norway. He leads his fleet to Poland (it should’ve been Denmark, but his uncle forbade this attack), trying to honor his father. It reminds Hamlet of his promise to the Ghost and gives him the confidence to go back to avenge his father.

Act 4: Scene 5

Meanwhile, Ophelia finds out that her father, Polonius is dead. Being desperate about her loss, she goes mad and starts handing out symbolic flowers to everyone. Besides, Laertes returns, and Claudius explains the situation to him. Now, Laertes wants to avenge his father.

Act 4: Scene 6

Horatio receives the letter from Hamlet where he states that he was taken as a prisoner by some pirates. In other words, he is on his way to Denmark. Horatio sends the letter to the King and Queen and rushes to see Hamlet.

Act 4: Scene 7

Upon receiving the letter, Claudius and Laertes plot how to kill Hamlet to get rid of all the problems he causes. The King comes up with the idea: he will arrange the duel between the young men. Laertes will sharpen and secretly poison his sword, so even the tiniest nick would kill Hamlet immediately. Moreover, they will poison a glass of wine and offer it to Prince if Laertes fails to wound him.

Suddenly, Gertrude arrives with bad news: Ophelia committed suicide, having drowned in a brook.

Act 5: Scene 1

Hamlet visits the graveyard, accompanied by Horatio. Prince notices Yorick’s skull and ponders upon a matter of life and death. That’s when Ophelia’s funeral starts, and Hamlet learns about her death. Laertes jumps into her grave, declaring his love, and Prince reveals himself right after. The men argue, with Laertes blaming Hamlet for the deaths of his close relatives. Prince challenges him for a duel, and so it will be.

Act 5: Scene 2

Hamlet explains to Horatio why he came back. In short, he saw Claudius’ letter and forged it. Now it states that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern should be murdered instead of him. So, they die in England in the meantime. The whole situation makes Hamlet confident in his decision to kill Claudius.

Meanwhile, Osric, a courtier, comes to discuss the details of the upcoming duel. Hamlet mocks him, but they agree on the terms.

How does Hamlet end?

The duel between Hamlet and Laertes starts. Gertrude accidentally (or not?) takes a sip of the poisoned wine that Claudius prepared for Prince. At that moment, Laertes wounds Hamlet. They grapple, and, as a result, Hamlet stabs Laertes with his own sword. Gertrude dies due to the poisoned wine. Laertes reveals to Hamlet Claudius’s evil plan. Furious, Hamlet stabs his uncle with the poisoned blade, killing him. Laertes asks for forgiveness and also dies.

Seeing that Hamlet is dying, Horatio wants to drink the poisoned wine. Yet, Prince asks him to stay alive for him and tell his story. In the last seconds of his life, he declares Fortinbras (who has just arrived from Poland) the next ruler of Denmark. Then, Hamlet dies.

🔖 Hamlet: Analysis

Written more than four centuries ago, Hamlet remains one of the most widely-known William Shakespeare’s works. Partially, such popularity is due to its intriguing plot. Yet, most importantly, the author explores layered topics and themes by creating an unconventional hero.

Hamlet’s plot structure is quite simple. There are five acts, each of which has several scenes. Such an organization helps the readers follow the flow of events in the play and catch every detail.

Hamlet includes all five elements of the basic plot structure:

• Exposition: King Hamlet is dead, Hamlet arrives, the Ghost appears and calls revenge.
• Rising action: Hamlet’s inner dilemma whether to revenge Claudius or not.
• Climax: Hamlet makes sure that Claudius is guilty and accidentally kills Polonius.
• Falling action: Claudius and Laertes plots a plan of how to get rid of Hamlet.
• Resolution: the bloody death of all the central characters.

In the play, William Shakspeare makes a vivid confrontation between Hamlet and Claudius. Prince is introduced to the readers as the man of doubts . He is indecisive, incapable of making serious decisions, and lost in his thoughts. Claudius, in contrast, is a man of action. The King has a clear vision of his actions and is completely capable of controlling his emotions. The more Claudius knows, the easier for him to make a decision and steer his knowledge in the right course. However, the more Prince knows, the more lost in his thoughts and confused he becomes.

Throughout the story, the readers notice more and more evidence that supports Hamlet’s indecisiveness. One of the examples is his famous soliloquy, “ To be or not to be .” Prince is not sure whether he is ready to die or continue living. He admits that death is inescapable, just like life. Hamlet hopes that passing will end all his sufferings but fears what comes after it. The dilemma in Hamlet’s head leads him to a harrowing conclusion: he regrets that he even was born. He realizes that people are unaware of what death foreshadows. Hamlet’s inner suffering progresses. As a result, he becomes impulsive and commits reckless actions.

Another significant conflict in Hamlet is gender roles in society. Ophelia and Gertrude are two central women in the play. But do they have any power? They are presented as two pawns in the hands of men, who use women for their benefit. Firstly, Claudius marries Gertrude to take the throne. Then, Polonius and Claudius plan an “occasional” meeting of Hamlet and Ophelia to spy upon Prince. After that, they use Gertrude to make Hamlet reveal the truth about his mental state and problems. Although both Ophelia and Gertrude are concerned about Prince, they should carry out the orders of men without expressing their feelings towards him.

We hope that Hamlet’s summary and analysis prepared by our team helped you to understand the play on a deeper level. Don’t forget to share this webpage with your peers. And check the links below for further investigation of Hamlet .

• Hamlet: About the Play — Folger Shakespeare Library
• Hamlet: Summary, Plot, & Characters — David Bevington, Britannica
• Hamlet Themes, Symbols & Character Analysis — From “Hamlet, An Introduction to,” Shakespearean Criticism, Volume 178, Gale
• A Literary Analysis of Hamlet’s Plot and Tragic Hero — IPL.org
• Modern Hamlet Translation, Scene By Scene — No Sweat Shakespeare
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Master Shakespeare's Hamlet using Absolute Shakespeare's Hamlet essay, plot summary, quotes and characters study guides.

Plot Summary : A quick review of the plot of Hamlet including every important action in the play. An ideal introduction before reading the original text.

Commentary : Detailed description of each act with translations and explanations for all important quotes. The next best thing to an modern English translation.

Characters : Review of each character's role in the play including defining quotes and character motivations for all major characters.

Characters Analysis : Critical essay by influential Shakespeare scholar and commentator William Hazlitt, discussing all you need to know on the characters of Hamlet.

Hamlet Essay : Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous essay on Hamlet based on his legendary and influential lectures and notes on Shakespeare.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Hamlet — Analysis of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Analysis of Shakespeare's Hamlet

• Categories: Hamlet

About this sample

Words: 763 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 763 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, background information, plot summary, analysis of themes, character analysis, analysis of language and dramatic techniques, evaluation of shakespeare's writing style, critical reception and legacy, ix. conclusion, references:.

• Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor. London: Arden Shakespeare, 2006. Print.
• Frye, Northrop. "The Mythos of Autumn." Shakespearean Criticism, edited by Laurie Lanzen Harris, vol. 4, Gale, 1986, pp. 157-66.
• Bloom, Harold, ed. William Shakespeare's "Hamlet." New York: Chelsea House, 2008. Print.

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