Hamlet: A Comprehensive Summary of Shakespeare's Tragedy

The Plot of Hamlet

Argument:

The King of Denmark dies, and his brother, Claudius, becomes king. He suddenly marries Gertrude, the queen, and Prince Hamlet is thrown into deep depression.

The ghost of his father, the late king, appears one night and reveals that Claudius killed him to gain access to the crown, demanding revenge. The prince hesitates, and meanwhile, pretends to be crazy so that the monarch does not suspect his real intentions. The reason for Hamlet's strange behavior is the subject of much debate:

• The king and queen believe he is disturbed by his father's death.
• Polonius, the old chamberlain, believes Hamlet is suffering from the love he feels for his daughter, Ophelia.

Confirming the Ghost's Revelation

To confirm the ghost's claims, Hamlet arranges for a play to be performed at court that illustrates the murder described by his father. By observing the king's reaction, he hopes to determine if he actually committed the crime. During the performance, Claudius becomes visibly upset and leaves, confirming the ghost's revelations to the prince.

The Death of Polonius

After the play, Hamlet confronts his mother. While criticizing her for marrying Claudius, he hears someone behind a curtain. Believing it is the king, he draws his sword and strikes, accidentally killing the indiscreet Polonius.

The Final Confrontation

The ghost reappears and urges Hamlet to complete his task. Claudius sends Hamlet to England with orders for his execution, but the prince manages to escape by falsifying the king's orders. When he returns to Denmark, he learns that Ophelia has gone mad and drowned. Her brother, Laertes, seeks to avenge his father's death. The king persuades Laertes to participate in a fencing match with Hamlet, using a poisoned blade to ensure the prince's death.

During the match, Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned sword, but is also struck by the same weapon. Before he dies, the prince sees his mother drink from a poisoned cup intended for him, and he finally kills Claudius.