Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Plot Summary

Summary

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play opens with the ghost of King Hamlet appearing to the guards. Prince Hamlet learns from the ghost that his uncle Claudius murdered him and must avenge the act. Amidst political intrigue and the subplot of Fortinbras seeking revenge, Hamlet feigns madness and stages a play to expose Claudius's guilt. The play leads to a series of tragic events, including Ophelia's suicide and Hamlet's accidental killing of Polonius. Claudius plots Hamlet's death, which culminates in a fencing match where both Hamlet and Laertes are poisoned. In the end, Hamlet avenges his father by killing Claudius, but not before the entire royal family falls victim to the king's schemes.

Takeaways

• 👻 The play begins with the appearance of the ghost of King Hamlet, setting the stage for the supernatural element in the story.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Horatio and the sentinels discuss the ghost, suggesting it is the spirit of the late king, which introduces the theme of revenge.
• 🗡️ The ghost reveals to Prince Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother Claudius, who now sits on the throne, sparking Hamlet's quest for vengeance.
• 🏰 The political backdrop includes Fortinbras seeking to avenge his father's death against King Hamlet, adding another layer of conflict.
• 💔 Hamlet's feigned madness and his treatment of Ophelia create tension and contribute to the tragic unfolding of events.
• 🎭 Hamlet stages a play to expose Claudius's guilt, which leads to a pivotal moment of realization and action.
• 🔪 Polonius's death is a turning point, leading to further escalation of the conflict and Hamlet's banishment.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Hamlet's journey to England with a death warrant is a plot by Claudius to eliminate the threat he poses.
• 💔 Ophelia's suicide and funeral are tragic events that further highlight the play's themes of love, betrayal, and despair.
• ⚔️ The fencing match is the climax of the play, where multiple plots converge, leading to the poisoning of both Hamlet and Laertes.
• 🏰 The resolution sees the deaths of most major characters, and Fortinbras's arrival to claim the throne, symbolizing the cycle of power and revenge.

Q & A

Who are the Sentinels on guard at Elsinore discussing the appearance of a ghost?

The Sentinels are discussing the ghost of the dead king, whose brother has recently married his widow.

What does the ghost of King Hamlet reveal to Prince Hamlet?

The ghost reveals that his brother Claudius murdered him and that Hamlet must avenge his death.

Why does Fortinbras seek to avenge the death of his father?

Fortinbras wants to avenge his father's death, which occurred in battle against King Hamlet some years prior.

What does Polonius believe is the cause of Hamlet's erratic behavior towards Ophelia?

Polonius thinks that Hamlet's love for Ophelia is driving him mad.

How does Hamlet react when he meets Ophelia after Polonius's scheme?

Hamlet tells Ophelia that he never loved her, which leaves her distraught.

Why does Claudius send Hamlet to England with a death warrant?

Claudius is paranoid after Hamlet nearly kills him and Polonius is killed, so he sends Hamlet to England with a death warrant.

What happens to Ophelia after Hamlet tells her he never loved her?

Ophelia commits suicide, distraught over Hamlet's rejection.

How does Hamlet return to Denmark after being sent away?

Hamlet plots his way back to Denmark and arranges for Horatio to meet him there.

What is the plan of Claudius and Laertes to murder Hamlet during the fencing match?

They plan to poison the sword and the wine, intending for Hamlet to be killed by either means.

How does the truth about the poisoning come to light during the fencing match?

Laertes reveals to Hamlet that both of them have been poisoned by the foil, and then proclaims that the king is to blame.

What happens to Claudius at the end of the play?

Hamlet kills Claudius by stabbing him and forcing him to drink the poisoned wine.

Who claims that Hamlet deserves a military funeral?

Young Fortinbras, upon returning from Poland and hearing the story from Horatio, claims that Hamlet deserves a military funeral.