• Summary of Shakespeare play Hamlet

Hamlet

"Hamlet" is a tragic play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. It is set in Denmark and tells the story of Prince Hamlet, who is visited by the ghost of his father and urged to avenge his murder by killing his uncle, who has taken the throne and married Hamlet's mother.

The play opens with a conversation between two guards who have seen the ghost of the former King of Denmark, Hamlet's father. Prince Hamlet, who is grieving for his father and angry with his mother for marrying his uncle so soon after his father's death, is then introduced. Hamlet is melancholy and introspective, and he is upset by his father's death and his mother's remarriage. He is also angry with his uncle, whom he believes has committed regicide.

When Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, he learns that he was murdered by his uncle, who has now become King. The ghost urges Hamlet to seek revenge and kill his uncle, but warns him not to harm his mother. Hamlet is torn between his duty to avenge his father and his love for his mother.

Over the course of the play, Hamlet feigns madness in order to plot his revenge. He becomes increasingly erratic and his behavior alarms those around him, including his friend Horatio, his love interest Ophelia, and the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Meanwhile, Hamlet's uncle becomes increasingly suspicious of Hamlet and his motives.

As the play progresses, Hamlet's relationships with Ophelia and his mother deteriorate. Ophelia goes mad and drowns herself, and Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, mistaking him for his uncle. Hamlet's uncle, fearing for his own safety, sends Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who carry orders for his execution. Hamlet manages to escape and returns to Denmark, where he finally confronts his uncle in a duel. In the end, almost every character dies, including Hamlet, his mother, his uncle, and several others.

"Hamlet" is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest works, known for its rich language and complex themes, including madness, revenge, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain one's sense of self in the face of adversity. It is also notable for its exploration of the human condition and the power of the subconscious mind.