HAMLET
I. Exposition
A. Time - Medieval Period
B. Place - Denmark
C. Preliminary Situations - King Hamlet has died, and his brother, Claudius, has taken over his throne and married his wife.
II. A. Initial Incident
Act 1, Scene 1
Barnardo, a sentinel (soldier), arrives at the guards' platform at Elsinore Castle to relieve Francisco, a fellow sentinel, of his duties. Barnardo asks Francisco to let him know if he sees Horatio and Marcellus, fellow soldiers, and Francisco comments that he hears them and leaves.
Marcellus and Barnardo discuss the ghost they've seen the last two nights. Horatio is a bit doubtful of the existence of the ghost, but in the midst of Barnardo's recap of the events of the last two nights, the ghost suddenly appears again. Marcellus urges Horatio to speak to the ghost, because he is a scholar and knows Latin, the language of exorcisms. Horatio admits to being fearful, but orders the ghost to speak. The ghost disappears, and a pale Horatio concedes that the ghost looked much like the deceased King Hamlet, right down to the armor King Hamlet wore in a battle against the Poles. Horatio hypothesizes that the ghost has returned because Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, wants to regain land that King Hamlet gained in his conquests of land that was originally owned by Norway. (Fortinbras wants to retake the land.)
The ghost enters again, and spreads it's arms as if it's ready to say speak. Horatio implores the ghost to talk, but a cock crows, signifying the break of day, so the ghost must leave. Horatio suggests that they show Hamlet the ghost, and perhaps the ghost will respond to his son instead of the three watchmen.
The sighting of the ghost is the primary initial incident, because it introduces Hamlet into the play.
B. Rising Action
Act 1, Scene 2
Claudius, the new king of Denmark (and the dead King Hamlet's brother), delivers a speech to his courtiers. He pretends to be upset over the death of the old King Hamlet, but says that he'd like Denmark's focus to be on the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude (King Hamlet's former wife) instead of on King Hamlet's death. He also says that Fortinbras has written him, demanding that Claudius surrender the captured lands over to Norway. Fortinbras has probably chosen this time because Denmark is unstable and in a state of transition between kings, so it would be easy to attack. Claudius sends Cornelius and Voltemand, ambassadors to Norway, to give the King of Norway (Fortinbras' uncle) messages halting the threatened attack.
Claudius asks Laertes what news there is from the court, and Laertes asks permission to return to France, where he was staying before he had to return to Denmark for King Claudius' coronation. Claudius asks him what his father, Polonius, has to say, and Polonius asks Claudius to let his son return to France. The King consents and turns to Hamlet, who is wearing black for the mourning of his father. He asks, "How is it that the clouds still hand on you?" and Queen Gertrude asks her son to rid himself of his black clothes. He replies that he is dejected, and his clothes only reflect his feelings. Claudius tells him that all fathers must die, and to mourn excessively is unmanly. He then tells him that he does not want Hamlet to return to Wittenberg to study at the university, because his staying would show that he supports Claudius as the new king. Hamlet's mother also asks him to stay, so Hamlet obeys her. Claudius takes Gertrude and the court away to celebrate his new kingship.
Hamlet delivers a soliloquy and shows obvious signs of depression. One of the first things he mentions is suicide, and the only thing holding him back from it is that God has made suicide a sin. He mourns over his father, and recalls how happy his parents were together. He's upset that his mother was able to remarry so soon after his father's death, and to make things worse, she married Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet has much disdain for his uncle, and says that his uncle pales by comparison to his father.
Horatio, Marcellus, and Barnardo enter. Hamlet asks Horatio why he has left Wittenberg, and Horatio tells him he came back for the deceased king's funeral. Hamlet testily argues that he came back for his mother's wedding, and Horatio agrees that the second event took place soon after the first. Horatio then informs Hamlet that they've seen the ghost of who they believe to be King Hamlet. Hamlet asks if they've spoken to the apparition, and asks for physical descriptions, and decides he'll join them on their watch to speak to the ghost. He asks them to keep sightings of the apparition in secret, and they agree. When the three courtiers leave Hamlet alone, he comments to himself that "all is not well" and he suspects foul play.
Act 1, Scene 3
Laertes is at Polonius' house, ready to leave for France, and is saying good-bye to his sister, Ophelia. He warns her not to fall in love with Hamlet. He says that because Hamlet is Prince, his duties and his position are a barrier for him to truly love Ophelia. He doesn't want her to become so involved with Hamlet that she loses her chastity. He basically tells her that she should stop chasing the impossible. Ophelia tells him to practice what he preaches; he is chasing after the impossible in France. Polonius enters and gives some fatherly advice to Laertes before he leaves. He tells him to act with integrity and be true to himself. Laertes bids goodbye and leaves. Polonius then asks Ophelia the status of her relationship with Hamlet, and she tells him that he has professed to love her. Polonius tells her that she is naive and childish, and that he forbids her from seeing Hamlet. Though Ophelia gave Laertes a lecture in return for his (lecture), she tells her father she will obey him, even though he said virtually the same thing as her brother.
Act 1, Scene 4
Hamlet is keeping watch with Horatio and Marcellus. They wait for midnight for the ghost's appearance. They hear trumpets sound from the castle, and Hamlet explains that the King is drinking and partying, in accordance with custom. He has disdain for this custom because other nations see Denmark as a bunch of drunks. The ghost appears, and Hamlet marvels and calls for it. The apparition beckons for Hamlet to go away with it, and Horatio and Marcellus warn him against following it. Hamlet is apathetic and says that his life is worth nothing, and the ghost can do nothing to his soul. His friends physically hold Hamlet back, but he threatens to "make a ghost" out of them if they don't let him go. He follows the ghost, and a stunned Horatio and Marcellus are left to ponder these actions and it's consequences on Denmark. They decide to follow Hamlet and the ghost.
Act 1, Scene 5
Hamlet demands that the ghost tell him what his purpose is for beckoning for Hamlet. The ghost tells him that he is indeed King Hamlet. He is doomed to an existence in Purgatory during the day, and wandering the night until Hamlet can avenge his "foul and most unnatural murder." He tells Hamlet that everyone thought he died of a natural death, of a serpent's sting, but he was actually poisoned by the man who is now the King of Denmark. Hamlet is shaken, and his father's ghost continues, disapproving of the marriage between his wife and his brother, but asking that he leave Queen Gertrude alone and let the gods decide her fate. He leaves at the hint of day, and asks that Hamlet remember him. Hamlet cries out how he could possibly forget him and all of the things he just confided. He intends to honor his father and avenge his death. Horatio and Marcellus show up and ask what happened, but Hamlet does not disclose any information about the conversation that took place. Instead, he asks them to swear by his sword to never speak of what they've seen, and the ghost four times echoes Hamlet's demands to swear to the oath, and they do so and leave.
Act 2, Scene 1
Polonius tells his servant, Reynaldo, to go to France and spy on the Danes in Paris (specifically, Laertes). He tells Reynaldo what to say, and how to get the information. Ophelia enters after Polonius bids Reynaldo farewell, and she is upset because Hamlet has acted strangely toward her. His clothes loose, his face pale, and his appearance generally deteriorated, he grabbed her wrist and examined her closely, saying nothing. Ophelia was distressed over his behavior. Polonius contemplates that since Ophelia has not been around Hamlet since he ordered her not to, Hamlet must be insane with love. He leaves with Ophelia to tell the King of this notion.
Act 2, Scene 2
The King and Queen welcome Rosencratz and Guildenstern, two of Hamlet's long-standing friends, and ask them to find out about Hamlet's "transformation." The Queen offers them a reward to seek the cause of Hamlet's behavior, and they agree and are led off to Hamlet by some attendants. Polonius then enters and tells them that the ambassadors from Norway, Voltemand and Cornelius, have returned. Polonius then says that he believes to have discovered the reason for Hamlet's craziness. Claudius earnestly asks him to divulge what he knows, but Polonius asks Claudius to hear the ambassadors first. When Polonius leaves to get the ambassadors, Claudius excitedly says to Gertrude that Polonius has found the source of Hamlet's behavior, but Gertrude is certain that it's nothing more than his father's death and their hasty marriage. Polonius returns with Voltemand and Cornelius, and they tell him what happened in Norway. The King of Norway rebuked his nephew Fortinbras for trying to make war on Denmark, and Fortinbras vowed to never attempt war on them again. The King of Norway gave Fortinbras money to employ the soldiers against Poland instead, but is asking the King of Denmark to pass through his country on the way to Poland. Claudius is pleased by the news and dismisses them, saying he will take care of the matter later. Polonius then offers Claudius and Gertrude his theory on Hamlet's madness, that Hamlet is madly in love with Ophelia. His daughter obediently gave Polonius all the love notes Hamlet sent her, and Polonius passes these along to Claudius and Gertrude. Polonius has a plan to prove his theory. Since Hamlet often strolls alone in the lobby, Polonius suggests that he and the King hide behind an arras while Ophelia confronts Hamlet, and they could secretly observe his actions and determine if his love for Ophelia really is the cause of his madness. They both agree to this plan. Hamlet then approaches them, engrossed in a book, and Polonius asks Claudius and Gertrude to go away so he can talk to Hamlet. Polonius tries to converse with Hamlet, but he insults him and ridicules his old age and behavior. Hamlet gives ambiguous answers to all of Polonius' questions and remarks. He acts melancholy, and Polonius bids goodbye. Rosencratz and Guildenstern enter, and Hamlet genuinely acts pleased to see them. He asks them what sends them to "prison," i.e. Denmark, and they discuss Hamlet's displeasure of the current state of Denmark. Hamlet asks again why they're here at Elsinore Castle, and they insist that it's merely a friendly visit. Hamlet declares that he knows the King and Queen sent them, which they confess to. He then goes on to elaborate his existentialist point of view. Rosencratz wonders how Hamlet will respond to the traveling group of touring actors if he is so dejected. There is a flourish for the players, and Hamlet invites Rosencratz and Guildenstern to stay at the castle, and tells them that his royal parents are deceived; he only pretends to be mad, but claims he can be sane. Polonius enters and tells them that the actors have arrived. Hamlet is in the middle of critiquing Polonius' actions of unintentionally hurting his daughter by keeping her away from Hamlet when the players enter the room. Hamlet welcomes and asks one of the players to recite a speech about the death of Priam and Hecuba. The player delivers a speech that brings him to tears, and transcends Polonius' slanderous comments like "This [speech] is too long." Hamlet says that he'll hear the rest of the speech later when the player is more composed. He asks Polonius to house the rest of the players while he talks to the first. He asks the player to perform "The Murder of Gonzago," a play Hamlet will write for tomorrow, and the first player and Rosencratz and Guildenstern leave. Hamlet alone talks about his guilt. The player was moved to tears by a speech about Hecuba, a meaningless fictional character, and Hamlet can't even muster enough motivation to take action. He plans to have the players perform "The Murder of Gonzago" to Claudius, which will be a reenactment of the murder. By observing Claudius' expressions, he should be able to discern his guilt.
Act 3, Scene 1
Rosencratz and Guildenstern tell the King and Queen that they haven't found the cause of Hamlet's behavior yet. Claudius and Gertrude agree to see the play that night after hearing about Hamlet's enthusiasm for the players. Claudius asks Rosencratz, Guildenstern, and Gertrude to leave so he and Polonius could hide behind the arras and listen to Hamlet's confrontation with Ophelia. Hamlet enters and they assume their hiding place. Hamlet is ruminating about death while waiting for the play to begin. In the ubiquitous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he says that death is like sleep, except with no awakening, and the reason so few people choose death over life is because they are afraid of what death holds; it is uncharted territory. His thoughts are interrupted by Ophelia, who tries to give back "remembrances" that he gave her. Hamlet denies giving her anything, and says he loved her once, but loved her not. He repeatedly exclaims "Get thee to a nunnery" to prevent bearing the children of a sinner (his children). He asks her where her father is, and she claims he is at home. Hamlet is probably aware at this point that Polonius is listening to them, and he enraged and knows he can't trust her; she just lied to him. He angrily leaves and Claudius and Polonius come forth. Claudius, suspecting Hamlet of suspecting him, wants Hamlet to go back to England. Polonius urges him to wait until he can spy on Hamlet again with Gertrude after the play, because he still believes Hamlet is mad with love, even though Claudius believes Hamlet's outburst was more because of sadness than love. Claudius still allows Polonius another opportunity to spy.
Act 3, Scene 2
Hamlet instructs the players how he wants them to act: realistically, but not overdone, so that Claudius can see himself in the play. He instructs them to leave and get ready, and Polonius quickly enters and leaves with Rosencratz and Guildenstern to hurry the players. Horatio enters and Hamlet compliments him, then tells him what the ghost had said and asks him to watch the King during the play. Horatio agrees to help him. A trumpet sounds the arrival of the main characters. Hamlet idly talks to them in an unusual way; he asks Polonius about being an actor, then sits near Ophelia and converses with her with a series of conundrums. They all watch a show, re-enacting the actions of Claudius. A player queen tells a player king that she loves him so much that if he were to die, she could never marry again for love, and he responds that he doubts that is true. After the player queen exits the stage, Hamlet asks his mother how she likes the play, and Gertrude responds "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." This removes any ambiguity Hamlet had concerning whether the Queen had any part or knowledge about King Hamlet's murder. If Gertrude were guilty, she would have acted so, instead of pointing out the guilt of the player queen. The play continues with the murderer pouring poison in the player king's ear, and Claudius rises to leave. He demands light and leaves with everyone but Horatio, who is left with Hamlet. Hamlet is certain that he has gotten his proof of Claudius' guilt, and Horatio agrees that the King's actions were of guilt. Rosencratz and Guildenstern enter and tell Hamlet that his mother wants him. Rosencratz once again inquires about Hamlet's mood. Some player with recorders enter, and Hamlet grabs an instrument from one of them. When Guildenstern insists he does not know how to play the recorder, Hamlet asks them why they will play upon him when they don't even have the guts to play upon a simple instrument. Polonius enters and tells Hamlet again that his mother wants to see him. He asks to be alone, and says to himself that he must be cruel yet kind to his mother; the truth is harsh.
Act 3, Scene 4
The King is with Rosencratz and Guildenstern, and he tells him that he does not like Hamlet's behavior and wants them to hastily take Hamlet back to England. They leave as Polonius enters and tells Claudius that Hamlet is going to Gertrude's quarters. He tells the King he plans to hide behind the arras to spy on Hamlet again, and he will tell Claudius everything he finds out. Claudius thanks him and Polonius leaves. Alone, Claudius laments over his offense, the fact that he murdered his brother. He wonders whether he can pray for forgiveness, but he knows that he will not be forgiven because he is still possessed by all his original intentions to commit murder: his crown, ambition, and wife. He decides to try to pray anyway, and drops to his knees and attempts prayer. Hamlet is passing by with the intent to avenge his father, but he decides he can't kill Claudius now, because he sees Claudius praying (or so he believed). If he killed Claudius while he was praying, Claudius would go to heaven; hardly an adequate revenge. Hamlet decides to wait until Claudius is in a more sinful state of being and leaves. Claudius declares that he tried praying, but without success; he couldn't put his heart into it.
Act 3, Scene 5 (lines 1-10)
Polonius tells Gertrude to be blunt with Hamlet, and let him know that his "pranks" have been inappropriate. He hides behind an arras and Hamlet enters.
C. Climax
Act 3, Scene 5 (lines 10-30)
Hamlet enters the room and asks his mother what the problem is, and she tells him that he's offended his "father" (Claudius). Hamlet responds that she has offended his father (King Hamlet). He angrily holds a mirror to her face and demands she see who she really is (a traitor to Hamlet's father). Gertrude cries for help, thinking Hamlet will murder her, and Polonius hears and likewise cries for help behind the arras. Hamlet, thinking Claudius is hiding behind the tapestry, thrusts a rapier through the arras and kills Polonius.
The climax occurs when Hamlet kills Polonius, because once he does so, things can never go back to the way they were.
D. Falling Action
Act 3, Scene 5 (lines 30-end)
After Hamlet thrusts his sword through the arras, Gertrude asks him what he's done, and he responds that he doesn't know, but it's almost as bad as killing a king and marrying his brother. Gertrude is confused by the "killing a king" comment. Hamlet lifts up the arras and drags Polonius' body out, calling him an "intruding fool" and bidding him farewell. Speaking to his mother again, he holds up two pictures: one of the dead King Hamlet, and one of Claudius. He asks her what compelled her to marry a devil like Claudius, especially compared to her last husband, who was far better. Gertrude begs him to stop, but Hamlet continues to torture her conscience until the ghost enters again. Hamlet addresses the apparition, who Gertrude cannot see and therefore thinks Hamlet is mad. The ghost reminds Hamlet of his purpose, which is not to torture Gertrude. She asks Hamlet what he is looking at, and he tries to describe the apparition to her, but the ghost leaves. He tries to convince his mother that his madness has been an act. He also asks her to keep out of bed with Claudius and not to reveal anything he's said that night to him. She agrees to stay quiet, but she says nothing about keeping out of bed with him. Hamlet tells his mother he must go to England with Rosencratz and Guildenstern, whom he trusts as much as snakes. He leaves, lugging Polonius behind him.
Act 4, Scene 1
Queen Gertrude asks Rosencratz and Guildenstern to speak to Claudius privately, and she tells him that Hamlet has killed Polonius in a fit of madness. Claudius is agitated, and decides to ship Hamlet away to England because his "liberty is full of threats to all." In reality, Claudius realized that the rapier thrust the arras was meant for him, and his decision to ship Hamlet away was only out of concern for himself. He calls back Rosencratz and Guildenstern, and tells him to find Hamlet and Polonius' body and bring the body to the chapel. Claudius then tells his wife that they must tell their friends what's happened; they will then look innocent in all this.
Act 4, Scene 2
Hamlet hides Polonius' body, then Rosencratz and Guildenstern enter the room and demand to know where the body is. He refuses to give them any straight answers, and calls them "sponges," ready to "soak up the King's countenance." He agrees to see Claudius, though still stubborn on the location of the body.
Act 4, Scene 3
Claudius discusses Hamlet's behavior to others, saying he is dangerous, but can not be charged with a violation of the law, since the multitude loves him and would not judge him. Rosencratz enters and tells him that they were not able to find out where Polonius' body is. He and Guildenstern then bring Hamlet in. When asked where Polonius is, Hamlet gives obscure answers again, saying he is at supper because the worms are feeding on him, and that perhaps Claudius should look for Polonius in hell. Then he tells Claudius that Polonius is under the stairs in the lobby, and Claudius dispatches his attendants to find him. The King tells Hamlet that he must go to England, and he is content with the news. He leaves, and Claudius sends Rosencratz and Guildenstern to make sure Hamlet goes aboard the ship immediately. Left alone, he talks about his plan to kill Hamlet; he sent letters to the rulers of England to kill him there.
Act 4, Scene 4
Fortinbras is marching his army over an open plane in Denmark to get to Poland. He tells his captain to go ask for permission to travel over Denmark. The captain runs into Hamlet, Rosencratz, and Guildenstern, and Hamlet asks the captain what they are fighting for, to which he replies "We go to gain a little patch of ground" with little value. Hamlet reflects on how humans can be so motivated and violent for such little purpose, and he can't even avenge his father's death. Alone, he vows that his thoughts will be bloody against Claudius from this point on.
Act 4, Scene 5
Horatio entreats Gertrude to speak to a distraught Ophelia. Gertrude is reluctant, but a gentleman tells her that she goes around speaking of her father's death, and some people are getting suspicious. Gertrude tells Horatio to bring her in, and Ophelia enters. She immediately starts acting crazy and sings strange songs. Claudius enters and tries to speak to her, but her replies are empty. When she leaves, Claudius sends Horatio to watch over her. When he's alone with Gertrude, he says that Ophelia's behavior is a result of her father's death, and he says that her brother has secretly returned from France to investigate his father's death. A noise booms, and a messengers enters to tell the King that Claudius has arrived with a riotous mob who is shouting for Laertes to be king. Laertes busts in, and demands Claudius to give him his father. Laertes is furious, and Claudius tries to be reassuring, and Gertrude supports her husband and vouches for his innocence. Ophelia enters again, and Laertes plainly sees her madness. She talks more meaningless talk, and hands out flowers and sings. When she leaves, Laertes expresses his outrage at his father's "obscure funeral." Apparently, Polonius had a quick and mild funeral, which was undeserving of a King's counselor. Laertes vows for revenge on whoever did this to destroy his family, and Claudius seconds his motion.
Act 4, Scene 6
Some gentlemen introduce a sailor to Horatio. The sailor gives him a letter from Hamlet. Hamlet writes that he found the letters to the rulers of England (with the messages intending to kill him), and he decided to aboard a pirate ship and escape. The pirates treated him well (probably because he would make good ransom, being the Prince of Denmark). He says he is returning to Denmark, and he has much to say to Rosencratz and Guildenstern. He asks Horatio to deliver the other letter to the King. He also says that he has much to say to Rosencratz and Guildenstern. Horatio brings the sailors to Claudius.
Act 4, Scene 7
Claudius tells Laertes that Hamlet killed Polonius, and Claudius had Polonius buried quietly and didn't punish Hamlet because he did not want to upset his wife or the people, who both loved Hamlet. Laertes still seeks revenge. A messenger arrives with letters from Hamlet, one for Claudius and one for Gertrude. Claudius reads his aloud and learns that Hamlet is coming back tomorrow from England. Claudius is surprised and Laertes is pleased, because he will get his revenge even quicker. Claudius then devises a plan for Hamlet's death to make it look like an accident. He remembers Laertes' skill with a sword, and recalls that even Hamlet has been envious of him because a Frenchman once was elaborating and praising Laertes' skill. Since then, Hamlet has been practicing his swording, and would probably jump at the chance to battle Laertes. If there is a match between Hamlet and Laertes, it would give Laertes a chance to get revenge. Laertes likes this plan, and Claudius develops it further: Laertes will have a sharpened sword, Hamlet a dull one. Laertes suggests dipping his sword in poison, so that Hamlet would die from a simple scratch. The King goes even further and says that if Hamlet wins, he will offer him a cup of poisoned wine. By all that, Hamlet is almost sure to die. Gertrude then enters and tells Laertes that his sister drowned. Ophelia was hanging from garlands on a tree, slipped into a stream, and her clothes became heavy and pulled her down until she drowned. She was singing while she was doing it, and not making any attempt to save herself. Laertes suppresses tears and he leaves greatly upset. The King tells the Queen that they should follow, and Claudius claims he had to do much to calm Laertes, and now he fears that news of his sister's death will fuel his rage again.
Act 5, Scene 1
Two gravediggers are digging a grave for Ophelia, and they debate whether or not Ophelia had committed suicide, and whether she was fit "to be buried in Christian burial." Hamlet and Horatio arrive and watch them from a distance. The first gravedigger dispatches the other one to get a stoup of liquor. He sings while he continues to dig, and he digs up a skull. Hamlet is horrified by the way the gravedigger treats the skulls; he contemptuously tosses them aside, without any regard to who the skull may have belonged to in life. It may have been that of a courtier or a lawyer. Hamlet finally approaches the gravedigger, and asks who the grave is for. The gravedigger at first claims it is his, because he is in it, but he finally admits that it belongs to a woman. Not realizing who he is speaking to, he tells Hamlet that he's been a gravedigger since the dead King Hamlet overcame Fortinbras, which was the same day Prince Hamlet was born. He then tells Hamlet that he's heard that the Prince is mad, and acts very strangely. Hamlet picks up one of the skulls, and tells Horatio that it belonged to Yorick, one of the King's jesters. He realizes that no matter how noble one was, he just turns into dust after death. Even Alexander the Great and Caeser have turned to dust. Hamlet is somewhat impressed about how greatness can be levelled by death.
A funeral procession approaches and Hamlet and Horatio step aside to observe the funeral. Hamlet notes that the funeral is "maimed," because there are no religious rights of a Christian funeral. He listens to the doctor tell Laertes that to sing a requiem would profane the dead. Hamlet watches his mother scatter flowers over the grave, commenting that she had hoped she (Ophelia) and Hamlet would marry. Laertes jumps into the grave and asks the gravedigger to bury him along with his sister. Hamlet is struck with grief once he realizes who has died, and he advances and proclaims his own love for Ophelia, and he and Laertes fight. Claudius orders them to be separated, and he and his wife claim that Hamlet is mad. Hamlet leaves, still upset, and Claudius order Horatio after him. Claudius then turns to Laertes and hints that he's almost ready to take revenge on Hamlet.
Act 5, Scene 2
Hamlet and Horatio are in the hall of the castle, and Hamlet tells him that he discovered Claudius' plot to kill him when he read the leaders that Rosencratz and Guildenstern bore. When they were sleeping, he replaced the letter with one ordering the death of Rosencratz and Guildenstern, instead of Hamlet; he happened to have his father's seal to close the letter with. Hamlet felt they deserved death, because they involved themselves in matters that didn't concern them, and he basically felt they were stabbing him from behind by obeying Claudius. Hamlet admits he is sorry for Laertes, and he can see himself in Laertes (both their fathers were killed). Osric, a courtier, enters. He takes off his hat in respect for Hamlet, who tells him to put it back on because it's cold, but Osric refuses because it would be disrespectful. Osric then praises Laertes, and tries to deliver a message from the king, but he and Hamlet have a confusing conversation which delays his message. Finally he says that Claudius has wagered on Hamlet on the fight between him and Laertes. Hamlet excuses Osric. A lord then enters and asks whether Hamlet will accept the challenge, and Hamlet agrees. Horatio tells him that he will lose, but Hamlet assures him that he's been practicing since Laertes left for France. Horatio urges Hamlet to delay the match a bit, but Hamlet says that if his death is imminent, so it shall be.
The King, the Queen, Laertes, and Osric enter. Hamlet apologizes to Laertes, telling him that it was his madness that made him kill his father. Laertes "receives his offered love like love," but says that is reserved and must consult some elders on honor; until then, he bears no grudges. Hamlet and Laertes receive their foils, and Claudius says that if Hamlet receives the first or second hit, he will drink to him, then drop a large pearl (the poison) into the cup and offer it to Hamlet. Hamlet makes the first hit, so Claudius drinks to him and drops the pearl in the cup and offers him the cup. Hamlet says he will play another bout first, and makes another hit. Gertrude announces she will drink to Hamlet's fortune, and Claudius tells her not to drink, but she does anyway. Claudius whispers to himself, "It is the poisoned cup. It is too late." Laertes says to Claudius that he will hit Hamlet, and Claudius doubts him. Laertes says to himself that he feels what he's about to do is morally questionable. Laertes wounds Hamlet, then they probably drop the swords; in the confusion, Hamlet picks up Laertes supposed "blunted sword" and wounds him. They both bleed as the King orders them to be separated, and the Queen falls after the poison has taken it's toll. Claudius lies and says that she's just fallen at the sight of the blood, but she calls out to Hamlet, and tells him that the drink is poisoned as she dies. Laertes then confesses their conspiracy to kill Hamlet, and that Claudius was to blame. Hamlet is enraged and stabs Claudius, then forces him to drink the poisoned wine, and Claudius dies. Laertes dies shortly after, asking Hamlet to exchange forgiveness. Hamlet tells Horatio he is dying, and Horatio picks up what's remaining of the poisoned wine so he may die, too. Hamlet stops him, telling him that he must tell the story of what happened to the Danes, since he is the only one who knows all the facts.
They hear marching in the distance, and Osric announces that Fortinbras has come from his conquest and fired a cannon in honor of the ambassadors from England. Hamlet appoints Fortinbras successor to the Danish throne, then dies. Fortinbras marches into the room with his English ambassadors and is abhorred by the bloody debacle; Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes are all dead and in the room. The ambassadors have come to collect their reward for killing Rosencratz and Guildenstern, but they came too late. Horatio explains what happened, and Fortinbras is amazed at how Danes can kill other Danes. Fortinbras orders four captains to carry away Hamlet's body for a military funeral.
E. Conclusion
Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes are all dead; either slain or poisoned or both. Fortinbras gains the Danish throne.
III. Characters
Hamlet - The impulsive and questionably insane protagonist of the story who has internal conflicts on avenging his father's death by killing Claudius.
Claudius - The King of Denmark, who murdered Hamlet's father and feels threatened by Hamlet, and so plots his death as well.
Laertes - The brother of the woman that Hamlet loved (Ophelia); he is angered by Hamlet's murder of his father, Polonius, and seeks to avenge his father's death.
IV. Themes
Nothing good comes from revenge.
V. Personal Reaction
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this play. I thought it was the most interesting, intuitive, and inspired play I've read so far by Shakespeare. It had a way of drawing empathy for many of the characters (Hamlet, Ophelia, Laertes, Gertrude) which made it apprehensively gripping. It's simple plot and fewer characters also made it easier to follow than our last play, "Taming of the Shrew."
VI. Quotations
"A little more than kin and less than kind."
--Hamlet
"This above all: to thine own self be true..."
--Polonius
"...brevity is the soul of wit..."
--Polonius
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
--Marcellus
"Hamlet, this pearl is thine.
Here's to thy health."
--Claudius
"I am justly killed with mine own treachery."
--Laertes