Hamlet

Act I

The scene opens on a cold Danish night, with guards Bernardo and Francisco changing shifts at Elsinore Castle. Horatio and Marcellus, who have heard rumors of a ghostly presence, join them. As the night deepens, the ghost of King Hamlet appears, clad in armor, startling the guards and Horatio. Horatio tries to address the ghost, demanding that it speak, but the apparition remains silent and disappears with the first rays of dawn. The shaken guards discuss the event, pondering its meaning and fearing it may be a bad omen for Denmark. They remember the recent death of King Hamlet and the hasty marriage of Queen Gertrude to his brother, Claudius, who is now King. They also mention rumors of unrest brewing in Norway as Fortinbras, the son of the king defeated by the late King Hamlet, seeks to reclaim his father's lands. Horatio proposes informing him of their encounter. He hopes that the prince, being the son, might have a chance of communicating with the apparition and learning its purpose.

King Claudius addresses the court, announcing his marriage to Gertrude and his intention to secure Denmark against Fortinbras' threats. He sends messengers to the Norwegian king to seek peace. Laertes seeks permission to return to France and receives Claudius' approval. Claudius then confronts Hamlet about his prolonged mourning, encouraging him to accept Claudius as a father figure and remain in Denmark. Despite his reservations, Hamlet agrees under pressure from both Claudius and Gertrude. Alone with his thoughts, Hamlet expresses his disgust at his mother's hasty marriage and feels trapped in the situation. He contemplates his predicament in a soliloquy. He decides to stay silent for the sake of the family. Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo arrive, and Hamlet is surprised to see his friend Horatio in Elsinore. Horatio informs him that he is at Elsinore for King Hamlet’s funeral. Horatio shares the news of his encounter with the ghost resembling Hamlet's father. He describes the ghost's appearance and its silence when addressed. Hamlet promises to join them on their next watch, eager to see the ghost for himself. He ponders the potential secrets the ghost might hold.

Laertes bids farewell to Ophelia, warning her against pursuing a relationship with Hamlet. He believes Hamlet's moody behavior and obligations to Denmark make him unreliable. He advises her to protect her honor and avoid potential heartbreak.

Polonius, witnessing the exchange, offers Laertes parting advice. He emphasizes the importance of choosing true friends wisely, maintaining a good reputation, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. He reminds Laertes to be self-reliant and true to himself.

Laertes departs, leaving Polonius to question Ophelia about Laertes' warning. He learns of Hamlet's affection for his daughter and expresses skepticism about his intentions. Despite Ophelia's insistence on Hamlet's sincerity, Polonius remains unconvinced. He strictly forbids Ophelia from further contact with the prince, fearing she might be taken advantage of. Ophelia agrees to obey her father's orders.

Horatio, Marcellus, and Hamlet wait on the castle ramparts. Sounds of revelry from inside the castle reach them, and Hamlet expresses disdain for the ongoing celebration, believing it tarnishes Denmark's reputation.

The ghost appears, and Hamlet addresses the apparition. He asks whether it's his father's spirit. He demands answers: Why is the ghost here? Why did it leave its resting place? The ghost gestures for Hamlet to follow him.

Ignoring his friends' cautious pleas, Hamlet declares he has nothing to lose and chooses to follow the ghost. Horatio and Marcellus attempt to restrain him. They highlight the danger and question the ghost's motives. However, Hamlet remains resolute and even draws his sword. They are forced to yield and watch as Hamlet disappears into the night, following the ghost. As this unfolds, Marcellus utters, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

Hamlet follows the ghost and eventually demands answers instead of being led further. The ghost agrees. It tells him that it needs to return to purgatory soon but proposes to offer crucial information. Hamlet promises to listen.

The ghost reveals itself as Hamlet's father. It describes the horrors of purgatory while acknowledging their incomprehensibility to mortals. It demands revenge for its "foul and most unnatural murder." Hamlet urges it to reveal details. The ghost explains that his death, which everyone assumed was due to a serpent bite, was actually murder. It discloses that Claudius killed King Hamlet by poisoning him in his sleep. The ghost pleads for revenge and asks Hamlet to stop Claudius from corrupting Denmark.

When the ghost disappears, Hamlet resolves to do its bidding. He hides the details of his conversation with the ghost from Horatio and Marcellus, fearing betrayal, and demands they swear secrecy about the ghost and their encounter. They comply.

He then asks them to swear again on his sword, despite their previous vow. The ghost's voice reappears, demanding another oath, and they vow again.

Hamlet warns Horatio and Marcellus of potential strange behavior from him in the coming days. He demands their silence regarding the ghost or their encounter. The ghost reiterates this demand. Hamlet calms the ghost and expresses that fulfilling his father's request is stressful.

Act II

Polonius, the royal advisor, sends his servant Reynaldo to Paris to spy on Polonius' son, Laertes. Polonius instructs Reynaldo to gather information about Laertes' behavior and the company he keeps.

A visibly distressed Ophelia enters and shares a concerning encounter she had with Hamlet. During the encounter, Hamlet appeared upset and acted strangely, grabbing her, sighing, and then ultimately saying nothing. She tells Polonius that she has returned Hamlet’s letters to him according to Polonius’s wishes. Polonius believes that Hamlet’s erratic behavior stems from an unrequited love for Ophelia. He takes Ophelia to see the king.

Claudius and Gertrude welcome Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, promising a reward if they can cheer up Hamlet and discover the source of his melancholy.

Polonius arrives with news: Danish ambassadors are returning, and he claims to have unraveled the mystery of Hamlet's odd behavior. He presents a love letter from Hamlet to Ophelia as proof, but Claudius suggests dealing with the ambassadors first.

The ambassadors return, confirming that Fortinbras's threat has been neutralized as his forces are now heading to Poland. Moreover, Fortinbras has also requested safe passage through Denmark, which Claudius grants.

Colonius proposes a plan to stage a fake encounter between Ophelia and Hamlet while they secretly observe their interaction. Claudius agrees to this idea.

As Hamlet enters reading a book, Polonius tries to pry further into Hamlet's state of mind. However, Polonius is met with cold and cryptic responses from Hamlet. Their conversation is filled with puzzling statements and veiled meanings, leaving Polonius perplexed about Hamlet's mental state.

Polonius exits, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive. Their attempt to appear casual raises Hamlet's suspicions, and he quickly sees through their fabricated story about their return to Elsinore. Guildenstern reluctantly admits that the king and queen summoned them. Hamlet playfully mocks their story and accurately predicts why they were summoned. Rosencrantz suggests they entertain Hamlet with a performance by a traveling troupe of actors that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern encountered, and Hamlet accepts.

Hamlet ponders why the actors are traveling instead of performing in the city. He makes an indirect comment comparing their situation to Claudius's newfound power as king. However, he welcomes the actors with warmth and excitement.

Before the actors enter, Hamlet discreetly hints to his friends that his madness is an act. Polonius arrives and introduces the troupe, while Hamlet continues his cryptic jokes and puns. Hamlet greets the actors, recognizing some of them from their past performances. He expresses his delight at seeing them again and inquires about their recent travels.

The First Player steps forward and returns the warm welcome. He asks Hamlet, "Which speech wouldst thou hear, my lord?" Hamlet, instead of requesting a specific speech, refers to a particularly dramatic piece he remembers from before. This speech was from a Greek myth-based play that the audience did not receive well. Hesitantly, Hamlet begins to describe the speech, recalling details about the character and the situation. As Hamlet struggles to fully remember the exact wording, he finds himself reciting most of the speech himself.

The First Player, impressed by Hamlet's memory and emotional delivery, commends him. He then proceeds to deliver the full speech himself. Hamlet, moved by the performance, interrupts the First Player and expresses his appreciation. He then turns to Polonius, directing him to ensure the actors are comfortably accommodated for their stay at Elsinore.

Alone on stage, Hamlet delivers a soliloquy criticizing his own inaction while admiring the actor's ability to express such intense emotions. He plans to use the play as a test by incorporating details of the ghost's story into the play to observe Claudius's reaction and confirm his guilt before seeking revenge.

Act III

The scene opens with Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern gathered together. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern report failing to discover the root of Hamlet's strange behavior but mention the upcoming play. Claudius urges them to keep Hamlet engaged, and they depart. Claudius sends Gertrude away to allow himself and Polonius to secretly observe Hamlet's interaction with Ophelia. Polonius gives Ophelia a prayer book as a prop while instructing her to pretend to read. He acknowledges the sinfulness of the act in a side comment. Claudius privately admits to his own deceitfulness. Hamlet enters, contemplating suicide in a soliloquy. After spotting Ophelia, he asks her to pray for his sins. Ophelia expresses concern for Hamlet's well-being, and he denies giving her gifts or writing passionate letters, contradicting her statements. He questions her honesty and says that beauty can corrupt one's integrity. Hamlet declares his past love for Ophelia a lie. He urges her to enter a convent, claiming it will prevent her from becoming sinful herself and bearing more "sinners." He expresses disdain for Polonius and wishes for the world to be free of marriage.

Ophelia prays for Hamlet's recovery. However, Hamlet continues his harsh tirade, blaming women for his madness and advocating for their seclusion. He exits, leaving Ophelia despairing over his complete breakdown.

Claudius and Polonius emerge, concerned about the severity of Hamlet's behavior. Claudius, fearing potential danger, proposes sending Hamlet to England, hoping it will allow him to recover. Polonius, worried about Ophelia, suggests that Gertrude attempt to reason with Hamlet before his departure. Claudius agrees to it.

The scene opens with Hamlet advising the actors on delivering a monologue he has written. He criticizes actors who exaggerate or aim for laughs instead of genuine portrayal. The actors, impressed, promise to follow his guidance. Polonius arrives with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He confirms that the king and queen will attend the play. Hamlet instructs everyone to ensure the actors are prepared. Horatio enters, and Hamlet confides in him about the upcoming play. He reveals that he has added a scene mirroring his father's murder and tasks Horatio with observing Claudius during this scene to gauge his reaction. If Claudius remains unfazed, Hamlet fears the ghost may be a demon; if he shows guilt, it confirms Hamlet's suspicions and compels him to act.

A trumpet announces the arrival of the court. Claudius inquires about Hamlet's well-being and receives a cryptic response. As the play begins, Hamlet sits beside Ophelia. He keeps making inappropriate remarks disguised as banter throughout the performance. A silent pantomime precedes the main play, depicting a king's murder by poison. The murderer then tries to woo the queen. While others seem disturbed, Hamlet claims it's just harmless entertainment. The play starts with a couple discussing their love and marriage. The king is old and speaks of the possibility of the queen remarrying after his demise. The queen vehemently rejects such a notion, while the king encourages her to reconsider. Hamlet pointedly asks Gertrude her opinion, who comments on the queen's strong stance. The play within the play reaches a climax as a character named Lucianus, the king's nephew, pours poison into the sleeping king’s ear. Claudius abruptly rises and leaves, clearly shaken. Polonius orders the performance to stop. Alone with Horatio, Hamlet examines Claudius's reaction and confirms his guilt. He mocks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who attempt to summon him to the queen by order of both Claudius and Gertrude. Polonius reiterates the queen's request, to which Hamlet promises to come shortly. As everyone leaves, Hamlet reflects on the need to be strong yet restrained during his upcoming encounter with his mother.

Claudius, troubled by Hamlet's erratic behavior, reveals his plan to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: sending Hamlet to England, hoping he recovers and poses no further threat. The loyal pair readily agree to accompany him. Polonius enters, informing Claudius that Hamlet is on his way to Gertrude's chamber. He proposes eavesdropping on their conversation by hiding behind a tapestry in Gertrude’s room.

Left alone, Claudius delivers a soliloquy filled with remorse over his crime. He acknowledges the gravity of his sin of fratricide and pleads for forgiveness, yet he recognizes the steep price of true redemption: relinquishing his crown and Gertrude. As Claudius kneels in prayer, seeking a way out of his predicament, Hamlet stumbles upon him. The opportunity for revenge presents itself, but a moral dilemma arises. Killing Claudius while he prays sends him straight to heaven, contradicting Hamlet's desire for punishment. Torn between taking action and waiting for a more fitting moment, Hamlet hesitates. He decides to postpone his revenge until Claudius commits a sinful act.

Polonius hides behind a tapestry in Gertrude's chamber. As Hamlet enters, an argument erupts. He accuses Gertrude of disrespecting his father's memory and marrying Claudius, the man responsible for his death. The confrontation intensifies when Hamlet discovers Polonius hiding. Hamlet angrily plunges his sword through the tapestry, killing Polonius instantly. Shocked and horrified, Gertrude questions Hamlet's actions. Hamlet defends his deed by comparing it to the far greater crime of Claudius's regicide and subsequent marriage to Gertrude. He criticizes Gertrude for betraying her vows and associating with a villain.

Suddenly, the ghost of Hamlet's father appears. Only visible to Hamlet, the ghost urges him to remember his vow of revenge against Claudius. However, it also cautions him against harming Gertrude. Gertrude, unable to see the ghost, believes Hamlet is losing his mind and talking to nothing. Hamlet, frustrated by his mother's blindness to both the ghost and his own sanity, pleads with her to repent for her sins and abandon Claudius. Gertrude, deeply affected by Hamlet's words, expresses the pain he has inflicted on her. She tells him that she will try to distance herself from Claudius and not tell him about what happened in her chamber. However, she cannot offer any guarantees. Hamlet, aware of Claudius's plan to send him to England, suspects an ulterior motive—his execution. He claims to have a plan to outsmart the king. With Polonius's body requiring immediate attention, he promises his mother he will handle it before leaving for England. He exits the room, dragging Polonius's corpse behind him.

Act IV

In the hall, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet with Claudius and Gertrude. Concerned about Gertrude's troubled state, Caludius asks her what has happened. Gertrude requests that Rosencrantz and Guildencrantz leave to give Claudius and Gertrude privacy. Gertrude, shaken and distraught, reveals the shocking events to Claudius. She recounts Hamlet's erratic behavior, culminating in the horrifying murder of Polonius, which she describes as a product of his complete madness. Claudius, acknowledging the danger Hamlet poses to everyone around him, expresses his conflicted feelings. While love for Hamlet has impeded his decisions, he now recognizes the need for swift action. He compares Hamlet's mental state to a fatal illness that must be dealt with decisively. Claudius assures Gertrude that Hamlet will be gone from Elsinore by sunrise. He summons Rosencrantz and Guildenstern back, instructing them to find Hamlet and discreetly move Polonius's body to the chapel. Claudius concludes the scene by informing Gertrude that the time has come to publicly disclose the truth about Hamlet's mental state. He intends to seek guidance on how best to address this crisis.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern encounter Hamlet, and their conversation quickly turns hostile. Rosencrantz starts by inquiring about Polonius's whereabouts. Hamlet, recognizing them as mere pawns of the king, mocks their intelligence and compares them to "sponges" who soak up the king's favor without any independent thought. Offended, Rosencrantz demands an explanation for the insult. Hamlet counters by sarcastically saying that they are like sponges that the king uses for his own purposes before discarding them. Rosencrantz, frustrated by Hamlet's witty barbs and evasive tactics, makes a final attempt to locate Polonius's body. However, Hamlet remains uncooperative, refusing to reveal any concrete information. He taunts them further, challenging them to a game of "catch-me-if-you-can," and dashes away, leaving Rosencrantz and Guildenstern confused and empty-handed.

Claudius expresses his concern about Hamlet to his advisors. He acknowledges the threat Hamlet poses but fears public backlash if he takes drastic measures against the popular prince. He decides to present Hamlet's exile to England as a pre-existing plan. Rosencrantz enters and informs Claudius that they haven't located Polonius's body but are keeping Hamlet under surveillance. Claudius orders them to bring Hamlet in. During their confrontation, Claudius demands to know Polonius's whereabouts. Hamlet responds with riddles and cryptic remarks, stating that Polonius is "at supper" being eaten. Claudius grows increasingly frustrated, demanding a straight answer. Hamlet claims Polonius is in heaven, or, if not found soon, his decomposing body will emit a stench that will engulf the entire hall. Claudius, irritated by the mockery, orders his servants to search for the body and announces his decision to send Hamlet to England. While bidding farewell, Hamlet calls Claudius "dear mother.” Claudius pushes Hamlet to leave hastily to ensure his departure on the ship that night. Alone, he confides his plan to the audience; he reveals a sealed letter instructing the King of England to execute Hamlet upon his arrival. Claudius emphasizes that he will never find peace until Hamlet is permanently removed from the equation.

Fortinbras arrives near Elsinore and instructs his captain to inform Claudius of their arrival and express their gratitude for allowing them passage through Danish land. As Fortinbras departs, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern escort Hamlet, who notices the Norwegian forces. He inquires about their presence, and the captain explains that they are heading towards Poland under Fortinbras's command, aiming to conquer a piece of land of little value. Witnessing this dedicated pursuit reignites a sense of purpose within Hamlet. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz leave Hamlet alone, and Hamlet delivers a soliloquy wherein he criticizes those who lack initiative and action, comparing them to animals. Observing Fortinbras's resolute leadership over a vast army for a seemingly insignificant goal exposes Hamlet's own inaction regarding his father's murder. He declares that if his actions fail to lead to bloodshed, they are ultimately meaningless.

Gertrude, Horatio, and a courtier stand in the hall, and the courtier informs Getrude that Ophelia wants to meet her. Despite her reservations, Gertrude agrees to see Ophelia upon learning of her mental state. Ophelia enters, singing nonsensical songs that hint at death and loss. Gertrude attempts to understand the meaning of her songs, but Ophelia remains cryptic. Claudius arrives and expresses concern for Ophelia's well-being. Ophelia's response provides a veiled reference to her father's demise. Ophelia continues singing; her songs touch on themes of unrequited love and betrayal. She mentions her father lying in his grave and promises to inform Laertes of the events.

After Ophelia exits, a messenger informs Claudius and Gertrude of Laertes' arrival and his armed rebellion. News of public support for Laertes and his claim to the throne further escalates the tension. Laertes storms in, determined to avenge his father's death. He questions Claudius's innocence and threatens to disregard loyalty and authority in his pursuit of justice. Ophelia reappears, singing a song about death and burial. Laertes, witnessing his sister's madness, vows even greater vengeance. Ophelia distributes “imaginary” flowers to the court members. Claudius expresses sympathy for Laertes while proposing a public trial to establish his innocence and assist Laertes in finding the true culprit.

Horatio encounters two sailors bearing a letter from Hamlet. Horatio reads the letter aloud and learns that Hamlet's ship was attacked by pirates after only two days at sea. Hamlet, during the skirmish, boarded the pirate ship and was taken captive. The pirates hold him hostage in exchange for an undisclosed favor. Hamlet requests two things from Horatio. First, he wants him to ensure the safe delivery of another letter from the pirates to Claudius. Second, once this task is completed, Hamlet urges Horatio to come see him immediately. Hamlet hints at sharing information about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with Horatio once they meet. Horatio promptly leads the sailors to meet the king.

Claudius and Laertes reconcile, with Laertes accepting Claudius's claim of innocence in Polonius's death. However, Laertes remains frustrated that Claudius didn't seek revenge against Hamlet, the actual killer. Claudius justifies his inaction by citing Gertrude's love for her son and Hamlet's popularity among the Danish people. Laertes, however, vows his own relentless pursuit of vengeance. A messenger arrives with letters from Hamlet, addressed to both Claudius and Gertrude. Claudius offers to read the content aloud to Laertes. Hamlet's letter reveals he has returned to Denmark unexpectedly, without any money or belongings. He requests a meeting with Claudius the following day to explain his return. Laertes expresses his desire to confront the man who caused his father's death and his sister's madness. Claudius proposes a new, less conspicuous plan to eliminate Hamlet. He talks about Laertes's renowned fencing skills, supposedly a source of envy for Hamlet. He suggests a staged fencing duel where Laertes can kill Hamlet and make it seem like an unfortunate accident. Laertes embraces the plan and vows to kill Hamlet even in a holy place. He further proposes poisoning his rapier's tip to ensure Hamlet's demise with just a minor scratch. As a safeguard, Claudius proposes another layer of deception—poisoning the drinks served during the duel. This will ensure Hamlet's death, regardless of the duel's outcome. Gertrude enters with news of Ophelia's drowning. Laertes expresses grief and vows to avenge his sister's death after mourning her passing.

Act V

Two gravediggers talk to each other while preparing a grave, debating whether the occupant—implied to be Ophelia—will receive a proper Christian burial despite taking her own life. They banter about class disparities and the advantages enjoyed by the nobility. Hamlet and Horatio arrive at the graveyard. Witnessing the gravediggers’ casual attitude towards death and the discarded skull bothers Hamlet. He ponders the universal nature of death and how it erases all distinctions and reduces everyone to mere bones. Hamlet inquires about the gravedigger's work and the recently deceased. They give him cryptic answers. Hamlet asks them whose skull it is, to which they answer that the skull belongs to Yorick, the king's former jester. Examining his skull further provokes Hamlet's contemplation of mortality. He compares the jester's past life and laughter to his current state of decay, questioning the fate of even the most powerful figures after death.

The funeral procession carrying Ophelia arrives, led by Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, and others. Observing the simplicity of the ceremony, Hamlet deduces the deceased's noble status. Laertes expresses dissatisfaction with the limited ceremony for Ophelia due to her suicide. He argues for a more elaborate service, but the priest upholds religious restrictions. Realizing that it is Ophelia who is being buried, Hamlet exclaims in pain. Laertes jumps into Ophelia’s grave and sobs; Hamlet does so too and engages in a physical confrontation with Laertes. Horatio, Claudius, and Gertrude beg the men to stop fighting. Claudius and Getrude lament Hamlet’s madness. Hamlet and Horatio leave the gravesite, and Claudius assures Laertes that there will be an opportunity for vengeance.

Hamlet recounts to Horatio his escape from the ship bound for England and his discovery of Claudius's plot to have him executed. He also reveals how he forged a letter ordering the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Horatio is appalled by Claudius's treachery, and Hamlet reaffirms his determination to seek revenge. Osric, a pompous courtier, arrives and invites Hamlet to participate in a fencing match against Laertes. Claudius has arranged the competition and placed a wager on Hamlet. Despite his apprehension, Hamlet accepts the challenge.

Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, Osric, and other courtiers enter with trumpets, fencing swords, and wine. Before starting the duel, Hamlet and Laertes make amends and shake hands. Claudius attempts to poison Hamlet with a cup of wine, but Hamlet declines. Laertes manages to scratch Hamlet with his poisoned sword, but during the fight, they accidentally swap their swords. Consequently, Hamlet also wounds Laertes with the latter’s poisoned sword. Gertrude unknowingly drinks the poisoned wine intended for Hamlet. She collapses, and soon after, Laertes does too. Claudius lies and says that Gertrude is feeling unwell due to the fight's intensity, but Gertrude reveals that the wine is poisoned and asks Hamlet not to drink it. Before dying, Laertes reveals Claudius’s villainy and seeks Hamlet’s forgiveness. Hamlet stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink the poisoned wine, causing him to die. Hamlet himself expires soon after, urging Horatio to share his story. The scene concludes with the arrival of Fortinbras, who learns of the tragic events and claims the Danish throne. Horatio pledges his allegiance to him, and Fortinbras orders a dignified burial for Hamlet while lamenting the kingdom's descent into chaos.