Hamlet Summary

Overview

This is a comprehensive summary of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, capturing the events and key dialogues from Acts 1 through 5. The notes focus on the central plot points, character interactions, and the major developments that drive the tragedy in the royal court of Denmark.

The Ghost and the State of Denmark

• The ghost of the late King Hamlet appears to guards and Horatio, resembling the dead king in armor.
• Horatio decides to tell Prince Hamlet about the apparition.
• Denmark is on edge due to threats from young Fortinbras of Norway.

Claudius’ Reign and Hamlet’s Grief

• Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, has married Queen Gertrude and taken the throne.
• Hamlet is deeply mournful over his father’s death and disturbed by his mother’s quick remarriage.
• Claudius and Gertrude urge Hamlet to remain in Denmark rather than return to school.

Hamlet Meets the Ghost

• The ghost reveals to Hamlet that Claudius murdered him by pouring poison in his ear.
• The ghost urges Hamlet to seek revenge but not to harm Gertrude.
• Hamlet vows to remember and act on the ghost’s command.

Polonius, Ophelia, and Laertes

• Laertes warns Ophelia to be wary of Hamlet’s affections, citing his royal obligations.
• Polonius instructs Ophelia to avoid Hamlet and gives Laertes advice for his trip to France.

Hamlet’s Antic Disposition

• Hamlet begins to act erratically, pretending to be mad as part of his plan.
• Polonius believes Hamlet’s madness is due to Ophelia’s rejection.

Spying and Deception

• Claudius and Gertrude employ Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to observe Hamlet.
• Polonius uses Ophelia as bait to uncover Hamlet’s motives.

The Players and the Play

• Hamlet plans to use a theatrical performance to expose Claudius’ guilt (“The play’s the thing…”).
• The play mimics the murder of Hamlet’s father; Claudius reacts guiltily and storms out.

Claudius Plots Against Hamlet

• Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England, fearing his behavior.
• Polonius hides to observe Hamlet’s confrontation with Gertrude; Hamlet kills Polonius by mistake.

Ophelia and Laertes’ Tragedies

• Polonius’s death drives Ophelia mad, and she later drowns.
• Laertes returns, seeking revenge for his father’s and sister’s deaths.

The Final Confrontations and Deaths

• Claudius and Laertes plot to kill Hamlet with a poisoned sword and drink.
• During the duel, Gertrude drinks poisoned wine meant for Hamlet and dies.
• Laertes wounds Hamlet with the poisoned sword but is also wounded.
• Hamlet kills Claudius, then dies of his wound.
• Fortinbras enters, claims the throne, and orders a soldier’s funeral for Hamlet.

Decisions

• Hamlet vows to avenge his father’s murder.
• Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England for his safety (and for Hamlet’s death).
• Laertes and Claudius conspire to ensure Hamlet’s death via duel and poison.

Action Items

• TBD – Horatio: Tell Hamlet about seeing the ghost.
• TBD – Hamlet: Observe Claudius during the play for signs of guilt.
• TBD – Rosencrantz & Guildenstern: Report on Hamlet's behavior to Claudius and Gertrude.
• TBD – Horatio: Relay the story of Hamlet to Fortinbras and the court.

Key Dates / Deadlines

• The duel between Hamlet and Laertes is set to occur upon Hamlet's return from England.

Questions / Follow-Ups

• Did Hamlet’s feigned madness help or hinder his quest for revenge?
• Will Fortinbras' succession bring peace to Denmark?