Overview
This lecture presents the full text and major plot developments of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, focusing on key events, character motivations, and pivotal quotes.
Main Plot and Characters
- King Hamlet of Denmark dies suddenly; his brother Claudius becomes king and marries Queen Gertrude.
- Hamlet, the prince, is visited by his father’s ghost, who claims Claudius murdered him and urges revenge.
- Claudius’s rule is threatened by young Fortinbras of Norway.
- Hamlet struggles with doubt, feigns madness, and is troubled by his mother’s remarriage.
- Polonius, advisor to Claudius, believes Hamlet’s madness is caused by love for Ophelia.
- Hamlet stages a play mirroring his father’s murder to confirm Claudius’s guilt.
- Claudius reacts with guilt; Hamlet delays killing him during prayer, fearing Claudius’s soul would go to heaven.
- Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, mistaking him for Claudius.
- Ophelia, distraught by her father’s death and Hamlet’s rejection, goes mad and drowns.
- Laertes returns, seeking to avenge Polonius and Ophelia; Claudius conspires with him to kill Hamlet using a poisoned sword and cup.
- Gertrude accidentally drinks the poison and dies; Hamlet and Laertes are wounded and reveal the plot before dying.
- Claudius is killed by Hamlet.
- Fortinbras enters and claims the throne of Denmark as the royal family lies dead.
Key Themes & Scenes
- The theme of appearance vs. reality runs throughout; Hamlet questions what is true and trustworthy.
- Famous soliloquy: “To be or not to be” (the nature of existence and suicide).
- Madness, both real and feigned, is central to how Hamlet and Ophelia are perceived.
- Corruption and decay are symbolized by physical and moral rot (“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”).
- The role of revenge and its destructive consequences for all major families.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Soliloquy — a speech in which a character speaks thoughts aloud, often alone on stage.
- Arras — a tapestry or curtain, commonly used for hiding.
- The Mousetrap — Hamlet’s nickname for the play-within-the-play used to expose Claudius.
- Quartos/Folio — early printed editions of Shakespeare’s plays.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the major soliloquies, especially Hamlet’s reflections on death and action.
- Study the relationships between Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Laertes.
- Prepare notes on how each character’s actions contribute to the tragic outcome.