Overview
The notes summarize the key plot points, character relationships, and major events in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," focusing on the unfolding tragedy and core conflicts within the royal family of Denmark.
Key Characters and Background
- Old King Hamlet is murdered before the play, leaving his son, Prince Hamlet, as protagonist.
- Claudius, the brother of old King Hamlet, becomes king and marries Queen Gertrude.
- Hamlet is deeply upset by his father's death and mother's quick remarriage.
- Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, is romantically involved with Hamlet.
- Laertes is Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, studying in France.
Main Plot Events
- Ghost of old King Hamlet appears to guards and Horatio, urging Hamlet to seek revenge.
- Claudius addresses the court and discusses his marriage and potential threats from Fortinbras of Norway.
- Hamlet expresses grief and suicidal thoughts over recent events.
- Hamlet learns from the ghost that Claudius murdered his father by pouring poison in his ear.
- Polonius suspects Hamlet's madness is due to Ophelia rejecting him, on his advice.
- Claudius and Polonius spy on Hamlet to understand his behavior.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are enlisted to spy on Hamlet as well.
Hamlet's Plan and the Play-within-a-Play
- A group of actors arrives, and Hamlet asks them to perform "The Murder of Gonzago."
- Hamlet includes a scene similar to his father's murder to catch Claudius's reaction.
- Claudius reacts suspiciously to the play, confirming his guilt to Hamlet.
Escalating Conflict and Consequences
- Claudius plots to send Hamlet to England with secret orders for his execution.
- Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius while confronting his mother, thinking he is killing Claudius.
- Ophelia, distraught over her father’s death, descends into madness and drowns.
- Laertes returns, seeking revenge for Polonius’s death, and conspires with Claudius to kill Hamlet in a rigged duel.
Final Act and Resolution
- During the duel, both Hamlet and Laertes are wounded by a poisoned sword; Gertrude drinks poisoned wine and dies.
- Laertes confesses Claudius's plot as he dies; Hamlet kills Claudius.
- Hamlet and Laertes forgive each other before dying.
- Hamlet names Fortinbras as the next king; Fortinbras honors Hamlet upon arrival.