Act 1

Scene 1: The guards and Horatio encounter the ghost of King Hamlet.

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, the play opens on a cold, dark night outside Elsinore Castle. Bernardo and Francisco, two guards, are on duty when Horatio and another guard, Marcellus, arrive. The guards anxiously discuss a mysterious apparition they have seen—a ghost resembling the recently deceased King Hamlet. Horatio, a skeptic, agrees to keep watch with them to confirm the sighting.

As the ghost appears, Horatio is startled by its resemblance to the late king. He attempts to communicate with it, but the ghost remains silent and vanishes. Horatio interprets the ghost’s appearance as a bad omen, possibly signaling unrest or impending disaster in Denmark. The scene ends with Horatio suggesting they inform Prince Hamlet, believing the ghost might reveal its purpose to him. This scene establishes the play’s ominous tone and foreshadows the unfolding tragedy.

 

Scene 2: King Claudius addresses the court. Hamlet expresses his grief and meets Horatio, who tells him about the ghost.

In Act 1, Scene 2 of Hamlet, King Claudius addresses the Danish court, celebrating his recent marriage to Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, despite the recent death of King Hamlet. He balances mourning with political matters, announcing the threat of Prince Fortinbras of Norway and sending ambassadors to deal with it.

Claudius then speaks to Hamlet, urging him to move past his grief and embrace him as a father figure. Hamlet, deeply troubled by the hasty marriage and his father’s death, remains distant and resentful. He delivers a soliloquy expressing despair, contemplating the futility of life and his disillusionment with Gertrude’s actions.

Horatio and the guards arrive, informing Hamlet of the ghost’s appearance. Intrigued and alarmed, Hamlet decides to join them that night to witness the apparition himself, hoping it will provide answers. This scene establishes Hamlet’s internal conflict and sets the stage for his quest for truth.

 

Scene 3: Laertes and Polonius advise Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of Hamlet, Laertes prepares to leave for France but takes a moment to caution his sister, Ophelia, about her relationship with Prince Hamlet. He warns her that Hamlet’s affections may be fleeting and, as a prince, he may not have the freedom to choose whom he marries. Laertes urges Ophelia to guard her heart and be wary of Hamlet’s intentions.

After Laertes departs, their father, Polonius, reinforces the warning. He questions Ophelia about Hamlet’s courtship and dismisses Hamlet’s vows of love as insincere, advising her to prioritize her reputation and virtue. Polonius commands Ophelia to end her interactions with Hamlet, emphasizing obedience. Ophelia reluctantly agrees to follow her father’s wishes.

This scene highlights the theme of control and the societal expectations placed on women, as both Laertes and Polonius dictate Ophelia’s actions, ultimately shaping her tragic fate in the play.

 

Scene 4: Hamlet sees the ghost and follows it.

In Act 1, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus keep watch outside Elsinore Castle on a cold night. As they wait, Hamlet reflects on Denmark’s festive atmosphere, criticizing King Claudius’s indulgence in drunken revelry. Suddenly, the ghost of King Hamlet appears, beckoning Hamlet to follow it.

Despite Horatio and Marcellus’s warnings about potential danger, Hamlet feels compelled to pursue the apparition. He believes it may have important information, even if it leads to peril. Ignoring their attempts to restrain him, Hamlet declares his determination to confront whatever lies ahead, trusting in fate.

Hamlet’s decision to follow the ghost marks a turning point in the play, setting him on a path toward discovering the truth about his father’s death and seeking revenge. The scene heightens the tension and mystery, emphasizing Hamlet’s bravery and foreshadowing the moral and psychological conflicts he will face.

 

Scene 5: The ghost reveals that Claudius murdered him, and Hamlet vows revenge.

In Act 1, Scene 5 of Hamlet, Prince Hamlet finally speaks with the ghost of his father, King Hamlet. The ghost reveals the shocking truth: he was murdered by his brother Claudius, who now sits on the throne. The ghost describes how Claudius poured poison into his ear while he slept in the garden, cutting short his life and robbing him of the chance to repent for his sins.

The ghost implores Hamlet to seek revenge but cautions him not to harm Queen Gertrude, leaving her judgment to heaven. Hamlet is deeply shaken but swears to fulfill his father’s command. He vows to remember the ghost’s words and devote himself entirely to avenging the murder. As the scene ends, Hamlet’s resolve hardens, but he acknowledges the heavy burden this duty places on him. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Hamlet’s internal struggle and the play’s tragic events.

 

Act 2

Scene 1: Polonius sends Reynaldo to spy on Laertes and questions Ophelia about Hamlet’s behavior.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to gather information about his son, Laertes. However, Polonius doesn’t want Reynaldo to inquire directly. Instead, he instructs him to subtly spread rumors about Laertes’ behavior, hoping to uncover the truth through others’ reactions. This reveals Polonius’s manipulative nature and obsession with control.

After Reynaldo leaves, Ophelia enters, visibly distressed. She tells Polonius about a strange encounter with Hamlet, who appeared disheveled and acted erratically. Hamlet grabbed her wrist, stared at her intensely, and left without speaking. Polonius interprets Hamlet’s behavior as the result of lovesickness, believing that Hamlet’s passion for Ophelia has driven him mad because she followed Polonius’s earlier advice to reject him.

Polonius decides to inform King Claudius of Hamlet’s behavior, convinced that this newfound “madness” stems from unrequited love. This scene deepens the play’s themes of deception and misinterpretation.

Scene 2: Claudius and Gertrude ask Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet. Hamlet meets a group of players and plans to use a play to test Claudius’s guilt.

In Act 2, Scene 2 of Hamlet, Claudius and Gertrude summon Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s childhood friends, to Elsinore. They ask the pair to spy on Hamlet and uncover the cause of his strange behavior. The king and queen believe Hamlet’s recent melancholy might pose a threat, and they hope Rosencrantz and Guildenstern can coax him into revealing his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Polonius arrives and informs Claudius that Hamlet’s madness stems from his love for Ophelia. Polonius suggests testing this theory by arranging a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia. Later, Hamlet encounters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern but quickly realizes they were sent by the king.

A group of traveling actors arrives, and Hamlet warmly welcomes them. He asks the players to perform The Murder of Gonzago and plans to insert lines that mirror his father’s murder. Hamlet intends to observe Claudius’s reaction during the performance, hoping to confirm his guilt.

 

Act 3

Scene 1: Hamlet delivers the famous “To be, or not to be” soliloquy. Ophelia confronts Hamlet.

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Hamlet, the scene begins with King Claudius and Queen Gertrude asking Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find out what’s troubling Hamlet. They bring Hamlet to the royal court, where he delivers his famous “To be, or not to be” soliloquy, contemplating life and death. Hamlet reflects on the suffering of life and the uncertainty of what happens after death, pondering whether it is nobler to endure life’s hardships or to end them through suicide. His existential musings highlight his deep despair and inner turmoil.

Ophelia then enters and attempts to return Hamlet’s tokens of affection, as directed by her father Polonius. Hamlet, overwhelmed by his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment, reacts coldly and cruelly to Ophelia, telling her to “get thee to a nunnery.” His harsh words leave Ophelia heartbroken, and she is left devastated by his apparent rejection. This scene deepens Hamlet’s complex emotions and foreshadows the tragic events to come.

 

Scene 2: Hamlet directs the players in The Murder of Gonzago to observe Claudius’s reaction.

In Act 3, Scene 2 of Hamlet, Hamlet prepares for the performance of the play The Murder of Gonzago, which he has asked the actors to perform in front of King Claudius and the court. Hamlet has altered the play’s script, adding a scene that mirrors the suspected murder of his father by Claudius—poisoning a king’s ear while he sleeps. He hopes that Claudius’s reaction will reveal his guilt.

Before the performance, Hamlet gives the actors advice on how to perform, emphasizing natural, restrained acting. He also offers a witty exchange with Horatio, discussing the significance of the play’s impact on Claudius. When the play begins, Hamlet watches Claudius closely for signs of discomfort or guilt. Claudius reacts with agitation during the scene of the murder, confirming Hamlet’s suspicion. This scene marks Hamlet’s first clear step in trying to prove Claudius’s guilt through indirect means, setting the stage for further confrontation.

 

Scene 3: Claudius prays, and Hamlet hesitates to kill him.

In Act 3, Scene 3 of Hamlet, Claudius, tormented by guilt for murdering his brother, retreats to a private chamber to pray. He confesses his crime in a soliloquy, acknowledging that he cannot repent sincerely because he still enjoys the fruits of his sin—power and wealth. Claudius struggles with his inability to genuinely seek forgiveness, as he cannot relinquish what he gained from the murder.

At this moment, Hamlet enters, stealthily observing Claudius. Seeing Claudius in a vulnerable state, Hamlet contemplates killing him. However, Hamlet hesitates, reasoning that killing Claudius while he is praying would send his soul to heaven, which Hamlet believes would not be a fitting punishment for the man who murdered his father. Hamlet’s delay in taking action reveals his internal moral conflict and desire for a more fitting revenge. The scene underscores Hamlet’s indecision and his obsession with justice.

 

Scene 4: Hamlet confronts Gertrude and accidentally kills Polonius. The ghost reappears.

In Act 3, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Hamlet confronts his mother, Queen Gertrude, in her chamber. He is furious with her for marrying Claudius, his uncle, so soon after his father’s death. Hamlet accuses her of betraying the memory of the late King Hamlet and calls her out for her role in the corruption of Denmark. As the confrontation intensifies, Hamlet’s emotions boil over, and he becomes increasingly aggressive.

During their heated exchange, Polonius, hiding behind a tapestry, overhears the conversation and tries to intervene. Hamlet, thinking it is Claudius, stabs Polonius through the curtain, killing him. Hamlet then expresses regret for the death but continues his confrontation with Gertrude.

In the midst of the chaos, the ghost of King Hamlet reappears, reminding Hamlet of his mission to avenge his murder. Only Hamlet can see the ghost, leading Gertrude to question his sanity. The scene highlights Hamlet’s inner turmoil and the escalating tragedy.

 

Act 4

Scene 1: Gertrude informs Claudius about Polonius’s death.

In Act 4, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Queen Gertrude rushes to inform King Claudius of Polonius’s death. She explains that Hamlet, in a fit of rage, mistakenly killed Polonius while confronting her in her chamber. Claudius is alarmed by the news and realizes that Hamlet’s madness is becoming more dangerous. He understands that the death of Polonius could lead to further instability in Denmark.

Claudius quickly decides to send Hamlet away to England, fearing that his erratic behavior could threaten his own power. He instructs Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find Hamlet and escort him to England before any further harm can be done. Meanwhile, Gertrude is deeply troubled by the events, and Claudius begins to plot how to handle the situation without allowing Hamlet’s actions to disrupt his rule. This scene marks the intensification of the political tension and sets the stage for further tragedy in the play.

 

Scene 2: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern try to find Hamlet.

In Act 4, Scene 2 of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are tasked by King Claudius to find Hamlet and bring him to court. They are unaware of Hamlet’s role in the death of Polonius and are simply following orders to locate him. Hamlet, however, is aware of their intentions and mocks them, refusing to go with them to Claudius.

He taunts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, exposing their lack of loyalty and calling them out as spies for the king. Hamlet’s sharp wit and evasive behavior frustrate them, but they are ultimately left with no choice but to follow him. He calls them “senators of the student’s soul,” highlighting their servility to Claudius rather than acting based on their own convictions.

The scene reflects Hamlet’s growing distrust of those around him, his increasing isolation, and the shifting dynamics between him and his former friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

 

Scene 3: Claudius sends Hamlet to England.

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Hamlet, after the murder of Polonius, King Claudius is deeply concerned about Hamlet’s increasingly erratic behavior. He fears that Hamlet’s actions may lead to further chaos and danger for Denmark. Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England, hoping that the trip will calm him down and remove him from the volatile situation. He orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany Hamlet and ensure he is safely escorted.

Claudius justifies this decision by explaining that Hamlet’s behavior could pose a threat to the royal family, and he wants to avoid public unrest. Claudius also secretly arranges for Hamlet’s death upon arrival in England, writing a letter to the English king instructing him to execute Hamlet. This reveals Claudius’s duplicity and sets the stage for Hamlet’s further journey, leading to even more tension and suspense in the play. The scene reflects Claudius’s manipulation and Hamlet’s fate being steered by others.

 

Scene 4: Hamlet encounters a captain from Fortinbras’s army and reflects on his inaction.

In Act 4, Scene 4 of Hamlet, Hamlet encounters a captain from Fortinbras’s army, who is on his way to request permission to pass through Denmark to attack Poland. The captain explains that Fortinbras is leading his troops to fight over a relatively insignificant piece of land, driven by honor and a desire for military glory.

This encounter deeply affects Hamlet. He reflects on the captain’s unwavering commitment to a cause so trivial and contrasts it with his own hesitation to avenge his father’s murder. Hamlet is struck by his own inaction, as he has been unable to carry out the revenge he vowed to take. He berates himself for not acting more decisively, questioning why he hesitates when his cause is far more just.

This moment of self-reflection prompts Hamlet to renew his resolve. He vows to take action and not let his delays prevent him from fulfilling his duty.

Scene 5: Ophelia descends into madness. Laertes returns, seeking revenge.

In Act 4, Scene 5 of Hamlet, Ophelia has descended into madness following the death of her father, Polonius. She enters the scene, singing fragmented songs that reflect her grief and despair. Her madness is evident as she speaks incoherently, and her behavior disturbs those around her. Gertrude, deeply concerned for Ophelia, tries to comfort her, but Ophelia’s words suggest a loss of rationality, symbolizing the emotional toll the events have taken on her.

Meanwhile, Laertes returns from France, furious upon learning of his father’s death. He confronts Claudius, demanding justice and revenge for Polonius. Claudius, sensing the danger of Laertes’s anger, tries to manipulate him by promising support. Laertes vows to take action, setting the stage for future conflict. This scene highlights the emotional collapse of Ophelia and the escalating tension surrounding Polonius’s death, foreshadowing Laertes’s role in the tragic events to come.

Scene 6: Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet.

In Act 4, Scene 6 of Hamlet, Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet that reveals the prince is alive and has returned to Denmark. The letter is brought by sailors who had encountered Hamlet on his journey to England. In the letter, Hamlet explains that his ship was attacked by pirates, and in the chaos, he managed to secure his freedom. The pirates agreed to help him return to Denmark, and Hamlet is now on his way back.

Horatio is relieved by the news and eager to reunite with Hamlet. The letter also indicates that Hamlet has plans to confront King Claudius upon his return. This scene serves to update the audience on Hamlet’s survival and impending return to the action, signaling that the plot is nearing its climax. The brief moment of hope contrasts with the looming tragedy, heightening anticipation for Hamlet’s next moves.

Scene 7: Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet using a rigged duel.

In Act 4, Scene 7 of Hamlet, Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet following the death of Polonius. Laertes is furious and seeks revenge, blaming Hamlet for his father’s death. Claudius, aware that Hamlet is loved by the people, devises a plan to remove him without inciting public outcry. He proposes a rigged duel between Laertes and Hamlet, where Laertes will use a poisoned sword to ensure Hamlet’s death.

To make sure the plot succeeds, Claudius also plans to offer Hamlet a poisoned drink, in case the duel does not end quickly. Laertes agrees to the plan, eager for vengeance. Claudius reassures him that this will be the perfect opportunity to kill Hamlet while maintaining a veneer of honor and fairness. This scene highlights the escalating plot against Hamlet, with both Claudius and Laertes driven by personal motives, and sets the stage for the tragic conclusion of the play.

 

Act 5

Scene 1: Hamlet and Horatio find a gravedigger and discuss death. Ophelia’s funeral takes place.

In Act 5, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Hamlet and Horatio encounter a gravedigger while walking through a churchyard. The gravedigger is digging Ophelia’s grave, and Hamlet becomes intrigued by the simplicity and inevitability of death. As Hamlet converses with the gravedigger, he reflects on mortality, commenting on the decaying nature of human life and the ultimate equality that death brings. The gravedigger reveals that he has been at his work for many years, casually discussing death and the dead.

When Ophelia’s funeral procession arrives, Hamlet is shocked to learn that it is for her, his former lover. He leaps into the grave, grief-stricken and angry, expressing his sorrow and frustration. Laertes, Ophelia’s brother, reacts similarly, and the two men engage in a brief struggle. This scene highlights Hamlet’s deepening obsession with death and foreshadows the tragic conclusion, emphasizing themes of mortality, fate, and the inescapable nature of death.

 

Scene 2: Hamlet duels Laertes. Gertrude drinks poisoned wine, Laertes and Hamlet are fatally wounded, and Hamlet kills Claudius before dying. Fortinbras arrives and takes control of Denmark.

In Act 5, Scene 2 of Hamlet, the long-anticipated duel between Hamlet and Laertes takes place. The duel is rigged by King Claudius, who has poisoned the tip of Laertes’s sword and prepared a poisoned cup of wine for Hamlet. During the match, both Hamlet and Laertes are wounded, but neither is immediately aware of the poison. Gertrude, unaware of the poison in the wine, accidentally drinks from the cup and dies.

As Hamlet and Laertes struggle, they switch swords, and Hamlet is wounded by the poisoned blade. In his dying moments, Laertes reveals Claudius’s treachery. Hamlet, in a final act of revenge, forces Claudius to drink from the poisoned cup and kills him. As Hamlet dies, he declares Fortinbras as the rightful heir to the throne. Fortinbras arrives in Denmark, takes control of the kingdom, and the play ends, leaving the fate of the court in his hands.

Characters of Hamlet

Here are the main characters from Hamlet:

1. Hamlet: The protagonist and Prince of Denmark. Hamlet is deeply philosophical, struggling with grief, indecision, and the quest for revenge after the murder of his father.
2. Claudius: Hamlet’s uncle and the newly crowned King of Denmark. Claudius is ambitious and morally corrupt, having murdered his brother (Hamlet’s father) to take the throne.
3. Gertrude: Hamlet’s mother and Queen of Denmark. She quickly marries Claudius after the death of her husband, which disturbs Hamlet.
4. Ophelia: Daughter of Polonius, and Hamlet’s love interest. Ophelia is caught between her loyalty to her father and her love for Hamlet. Her eventual madness and death add to the tragedy.
5. Polonius: The Lord Chamberlain of Denmark and father to Laertes and Ophelia. He is a pompous, meddling advisor who gets caught spying on Hamlet.
6. Laertes: Polonius’s son and Ophelia’s brother. He seeks to avenge his father’s death and eventually duels Hamlet.
7. Horatio: Hamlet’s loyal friend and confidant. He is one of the few characters who survives the tragic events.
8. The Ghost: The spirit of Hamlet’s father, who reveals that Claudius murdered him and demands Hamlet take revenge.
9. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: Former friends of Hamlet, now spies for Claudius, sent to spy on Hamlet’s behavior.
10. Fortinbras: Prince of Norway, seeking to avenge his father’s death and reclaim lost territory, paralleling Hamlet’s quest for revenge.

These characters interact within a royal court filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and moral conflict.

 

Themes of Hamlet

Hamlet explores several key themes:

1. Revenge: The central theme, Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle Claudius, drives the plot. The play examines the consequences and moral complexities of seeking revenge.
2. Madness: Hamlet feigns madness to carry out his plan, but the lines between real and feigned madness blur throughout the play. Ophelia also descends into madness after her father’s death, reflecting the emotional toll of the events.
3. Mortality: The play deeply explores death and the inevitability of human mortality, seen through Hamlet’s existential musings, the ghost of his father, and the famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy.
4. Corruption: Corruption within the state of Denmark mirrors the moral decay of its rulers. Claudius’s regicide and the subsequent events reflect how corruption taints both the individual and the kingdom.
5. Action vs. Inaction: Hamlet’s internal conflict revolves around his struggle to act decisively. His hesitation to take revenge raises questions about the consequences of inaction and the complexities of decision-making.
6. Betrayal: Multiple characters, including Claudius, Gertrude, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, betray Hamlet in various ways, leading to the eventual tragedy.
7. The Supernatural: The appearance of the ghost sets the tone for the play and suggests themes of fate and divine justice, questioning the boundaries between the living and the dead.

These themes make Hamlet a profound exploration of human nature, ethics, and the consequences of moral choices.