Act I
Scene I
While guarding the kingdom of Denmark, a ghost mysteriously appears. The guards tell Horatio, who is skeptical at first but becomes terrified once he sees the ghost with his own eyes. Horatio acknowledges that the ghost looks like the dead king, Old Hamlet. Horatio suspects the ghost is an omen of impending misfortune for Denmark. He recalls Old Hamlet’s battle victories in acquiring parts of Norway and killing Fortinbras’s father. Now Young Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, wants to reconquer those lands. Horatio suggests telling the young Prince Hamlet about the ghost.
While guarding the kingdom of Denmark, a ghost mysteriously appears. The guards tell Horatio, who is skeptical at first but becomes terrified once he sees the ghost with his own eyes. Horatio acknowledges that the ghost looks like the dead king, Old Hamlet. Horatio suspects the ghost is an omen of impending misfortune for Denmark. He recalls Old Hamlet’s battle victories in acquiring parts of Norway and killing Fortinbras’s father. Now Young Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, wants to reconquer those lands. Horatio suggests telling the young Prince Hamlet about the ghost.
Scene II
King Claudius explains his new marriage to Gertrude, who was his brother King Hamlet’s widow and the mother of young Prince Hamlet. Though he admits to mourning for his brother, Claudius refocuses his audience on the delight of his new marriage. Meanwhile, young Prince Hamlet mourns his father’s death. When left alone Hamlet continues to lamenting about his father’s death, his mother’s incestuous marriage to his uncle, and his overall desire to cease to exist. Horatio enters and informs Hamlet about the ghost. Hamlet agrees to night watch and attempt speaking to the ghost.
King Claudius explains his new marriage to Gertrude, who was his brother King Hamlet’s widow and the mother of young Prince Hamlet. Though he admits to mourning for his brother, Claudius refocuses his audience on the delight of his new marriage. Meanwhile, young Prince Hamlet mourns his father’s death. When left alone Hamlet continues to lamenting about his father’s death, his mother’s incestuous marriage to his uncle, and his overall desire to cease to exist. Horatio enters and informs Hamlet about the ghost. Hamlet agrees to night watch and attempt speaking to the ghost.
Scene III
Laertes prepares to leave France and gives his sister Ophelia advice before he goes. He advises against her relationship with Hamlet because he is a prince while she is a commoner. Polonius enters to send off Laertes. Polonius advises Laertes to focus on status and networking. Polonius then chastises Ophelia on her relationship with Hamlet and forbids her to continue the relationship. Ophelia obeys.
Laertes prepares to leave France and gives his sister Ophelia advice before he goes. He advises against her relationship with Hamlet because he is a prince while she is a commoner. Polonius enters to send off Laertes. Polonius advises Laertes to focus on status and networking. Polonius then chastises Ophelia on her relationship with Hamlet and forbids her to continue the relationship. Ophelia obeys.
Scene IV
Hamlet keeps guard for the ghost. The ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow. Though he is urged not to go, Hamlet follows the ghost. Horatio urges that something is rotten in the state of Denmark. He follows Hamlet with the other guards to keep watch of the situation.
Hamlet keeps guard for the ghost. The ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow. Though he is urged not to go, Hamlet follows the ghost. Horatio urges that something is rotten in the state of Denmark. He follows Hamlet with the other guards to keep watch of the situation.
Scene V
The ghost claims to be Hamlet’s father’s spirit. He explains that he needs Hamlet to avenge his death. The ghost Old Hamlet had been asleep in his garden when Claudius poured poison into his ear. With Old Hamlet dead, Claudius snuck his way into power. The ghost commands Hamlet to kill Claudius but leave Gertrude to God’s judgement. The ghost disappears and Hamlet swears to obey the ghost. As Horatio and the guards finally arrive to the scene, Hamlet refuses to inform them of his conversation. He tells them that he is going to feign madness, and he swears them to secrecy on the matter.
The ghost claims to be Hamlet’s father’s spirit. He explains that he needs Hamlet to avenge his death. The ghost Old Hamlet had been asleep in his garden when Claudius poured poison into his ear. With Old Hamlet dead, Claudius snuck his way into power. The ghost commands Hamlet to kill Claudius but leave Gertrude to God’s judgement. The ghost disappears and Hamlet swears to obey the ghost. As Horatio and the guards finally arrive to the scene, Hamlet refuses to inform them of his conversation. He tells them that he is going to feign madness, and he swears them to secrecy on the matter.
Act II
Scene I
Polonius sends a servant to France with money and notes for Laertes. He tells the servant to spy on Laertes and gather information about his whereabouts in France. As he sends the servant away, Ophelia enters upset. She informs Polonius about an odd encounter with the maddened Hamlet. Polonius thinks Hamlet has gone mad for Ophelia’s love. Polonius decides to inform King Claudius about the matter.
Polonius sends a servant to France with money and notes for Laertes. He tells the servant to spy on Laertes and gather information about his whereabouts in France. As he sends the servant away, Ophelia enters upset. She informs Polonius about an odd encounter with the maddened Hamlet. Polonius thinks Hamlet has gone mad for Ophelia’s love. Polonius decides to inform King Claudius about the matter.
Scene II
Concerned about Hamlet’s behavior, Claudius and Gertrude summon Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him and figure out what’s wrong. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to investigate. Polonius tells Claudius that Hamlet’s madness stems from his love for Ophelia. He shows Gertrude and Claudius letters and suggests spying on both Hamlet and Ophelia as they interact. Hamlet shows up just in time for Claudius and Gertrude to leave Polonius to talk with him. Hamlet makes jabs at Polonius under the guise of lunacy. Polonius leaves just as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter. They chat briefly with Hamlet, who easily discovers that the two are spying on him. The players arrive and give a speech that impresses Hamlet. He asks them to perform a modified play which Hamlet calls “The Mousetrap”. He will use it to guilt and confirm Claudius for his murderous deeds.
Concerned about Hamlet’s behavior, Claudius and Gertrude summon Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him and figure out what’s wrong. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern agree to investigate. Polonius tells Claudius that Hamlet’s madness stems from his love for Ophelia. He shows Gertrude and Claudius letters and suggests spying on both Hamlet and Ophelia as they interact. Hamlet shows up just in time for Claudius and Gertrude to leave Polonius to talk with him. Hamlet makes jabs at Polonius under the guise of lunacy. Polonius leaves just as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern enter. They chat briefly with Hamlet, who easily discovers that the two are spying on him. The players arrive and give a speech that impresses Hamlet. He asks them to perform a modified play which Hamlet calls “The Mousetrap”. He will use it to guilt and confirm Claudius for his murderous deeds.
Act III
Scene I
Gertrude and Claudius agree to see Hamlet’s play. Everyone leaves except Claudius and Polonius, who spy on Hamlet with Ophelia. Hamlet enters, finds Yorick’s skull, and gives his famous “To be or not to be..” speech. In mid-thought, he sees Ophelia. Ophelia attempts to return Hamlets gifts of love. Hamlet denies having given her gifts. He denounces Ophelia and whatever love he once had for her. He tells her to go to a nunnery. Hamlet works himself up into a fury where he denounces women and life itself. He storms away leaving Ophelia to grieve over the Hamlet that was once noble and kind. Claudius and Polonius reveal themselves. Claudius concludes Hamlet’s madness is not from love for Ophelia. He plans to send him to England, so he won’t be a danger in Denmark. Polonius still thinks Hamlet’s madness is from love and asks to spy on Hamlet some more as he talks to his mother Gertrude. Claudius agrees, and a new plan is set.
Gertrude and Claudius agree to see Hamlet’s play. Everyone leaves except Claudius and Polonius, who spy on Hamlet with Ophelia. Hamlet enters, finds Yorick’s skull, and gives his famous “To be or not to be..” speech. In mid-thought, he sees Ophelia. Ophelia attempts to return Hamlets gifts of love. Hamlet denies having given her gifts. He denounces Ophelia and whatever love he once had for her. He tells her to go to a nunnery. Hamlet works himself up into a fury where he denounces women and life itself. He storms away leaving Ophelia to grieve over the Hamlet that was once noble and kind. Claudius and Polonius reveal themselves. Claudius concludes Hamlet’s madness is not from love for Ophelia. He plans to send him to England, so he won’t be a danger in Denmark. Polonius still thinks Hamlet’s madness is from love and asks to spy on Hamlet some more as he talks to his mother Gertrude. Claudius agrees, and a new plan is set.
Scene II
Hamlet praises Horatio for his self-control and independent mind. He tells Horatio what he learned from the ghost, and he asks Horatio to watch Claudius for any signs of guilt. The dumbshow starts that recreates Old Hamlet’s murder and Claudius’s seduction of Gertrude. The players then begin enacting the play in its entirety. Meanwhile, Hamlet has a conversation with Ophelia rife with naughty and inappropriate references. When the murderer in the play pours poison into the sleeping king’s ear, Claudius finally reacts and puts a stop to the play. Chaos ensues and ends with only Hamlet and Horatio left alone. They both exchange their conclusion that Claudius is guilty of murder, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to summon Hamlet to Gertrude’s room.
Hamlet praises Horatio for his self-control and independent mind. He tells Horatio what he learned from the ghost, and he asks Horatio to watch Claudius for any signs of guilt. The dumbshow starts that recreates Old Hamlet’s murder and Claudius’s seduction of Gertrude. The players then begin enacting the play in its entirety. Meanwhile, Hamlet has a conversation with Ophelia rife with naughty and inappropriate references. When the murderer in the play pours poison into the sleeping king’s ear, Claudius finally reacts and puts a stop to the play. Chaos ensues and ends with only Hamlet and Horatio left alone. They both exchange their conclusion that Claudius is guilty of murder, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to summon Hamlet to Gertrude’s room.
Scene III
King Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany Hamlet to England. They agree and begin preparing for the journey. Alone, the king expresses both brief and guilt over murdering Old Hamlet. Though he wants to ask for forgiveness, he is unwilling to give up the things he has gained. He does not want to sacrifice his new royal power for forgiveness. As he assumes a prayer stance, Hamlet quietly enters the scene. He is ready to kill Claudius, but he sees him praying. Hamlet assumes that by killing Claudius in prayer, he will be sending Claudius to heaven. Unsuitable for revenge, Hamlet decides against killing Claudius in that moment. Just as hamlet leaves the scene, Claudius rises from his prayer and declares it insincere.
King Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to accompany Hamlet to England. They agree and begin preparing for the journey. Alone, the king expresses both brief and guilt over murdering Old Hamlet. Though he wants to ask for forgiveness, he is unwilling to give up the things he has gained. He does not want to sacrifice his new royal power for forgiveness. As he assumes a prayer stance, Hamlet quietly enters the scene. He is ready to kill Claudius, but he sees him praying. Hamlet assumes that by killing Claudius in prayer, he will be sending Claudius to heaven. Unsuitable for revenge, Hamlet decides against killing Claudius in that moment. Just as hamlet leaves the scene, Claudius rises from his prayer and declares it insincere.
Scene IV
Gertrude and Polonius wait for Hamlet to arrive. Polonius hides as Hamlet enters the room. Gertrude informs Hamlet that he offended Claudius. He retorts that she offended Old Hamlet by marrying Claudius. Hamlet then bombards her with jabs at her disloyalty. Gertrude cries out, which causes the hiding Polonius to call for help. Hamlet suspects him to be Claudius and kills him in his hiding place. He discovers he has killed Polonius rather than Claudius. Hamlet returns to denouncing his mother and her incestuous marriage when suddenly the ghost of his father reappears. Though Gertrude does not see the ghost, the ghost reminds Hamlet to leave Gertrude to God’s judgement. Hamlet tries to convince Gertrude that his madness has been feigned the entire time, but she seems to think otherwise. He advises Gertrude to leave Claudius and keep his feigned madness a secret. Gertrude agrees. Dragging Polonius's body with him, Hamlet exits his mother’s room.
Gertrude and Polonius wait for Hamlet to arrive. Polonius hides as Hamlet enters the room. Gertrude informs Hamlet that he offended Claudius. He retorts that she offended Old Hamlet by marrying Claudius. Hamlet then bombards her with jabs at her disloyalty. Gertrude cries out, which causes the hiding Polonius to call for help. Hamlet suspects him to be Claudius and kills him in his hiding place. He discovers he has killed Polonius rather than Claudius. Hamlet returns to denouncing his mother and her incestuous marriage when suddenly the ghost of his father reappears. Though Gertrude does not see the ghost, the ghost reminds Hamlet to leave Gertrude to God’s judgement. Hamlet tries to convince Gertrude that his madness has been feigned the entire time, but she seems to think otherwise. He advises Gertrude to leave Claudius and keep his feigned madness a secret. Gertrude agrees. Dragging Polonius's body with him, Hamlet exits his mother’s room.
Act IV
Scene I
Gertrude hurries off to Claudius, who is speaking with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Once alone with the king, she reveals her encounter with Hamlet, including how he killed Polonius. He decides to speed up Hamlet’s trip to England immediately. As he thinks of how to explain Hamlet’s murder to the kingdom, he orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to fetch Hamlet.
Gertrude hurries off to Claudius, who is speaking with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Once alone with the king, she reveals her encounter with Hamlet, including how he killed Polonius. He decides to speed up Hamlet’s trip to England immediately. As he thinks of how to explain Hamlet’s murder to the kingdom, he orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to fetch Hamlet.
Scene II
Hamlet just finished disposing Polonius's body just as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to inquire about the it. Hamlet dodges the question. He accuses Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of being spies for Claudius, and he warns that Claudius is only using them. He eventually agrees to let the two escort him to Claudius.
Hamlet just finished disposing Polonius's body just as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to inquire about the it. Hamlet dodges the question. He accuses Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of being spies for Claudius, and he warns that Claudius is only using them. He eventually agrees to let the two escort him to Claudius.
Scene III
As Claudius informs the public about Polonius's death and the plan to send Hamlet to England, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear with Hamlet. Claudius interrogates Hamlet about the Polonius's body’s whereabouts. Hamlet coyly deflects the question with jabs at both Polonius and Claudius. Claudius tells Hamlet of his immediate departure to England, Hamlet agrees, and he exits. Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to keep an eye on him. Alone, he hopes that England obeys his sealed order to kill Hamlet.
As Claudius informs the public about Polonius's death and the plan to send Hamlet to England, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear with Hamlet. Claudius interrogates Hamlet about the Polonius's body’s whereabouts. Hamlet coyly deflects the question with jabs at both Polonius and Claudius. Claudius tells Hamlet of his immediate departure to England, Hamlet agrees, and he exits. Claudius sends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to keep an eye on him. Alone, he hopes that England obeys his sealed order to kill Hamlet.
Scene IV
Fortinbras marches through Denmark on his way to attack Poland. The army’s captain runs into Hamlet, who inquires about the reason for the war. Hamlet learns the conflict is over a tiny and unprofitable piece of land. He is shocked by the violence humans engage in for such little gain. He self-deprecates himself for his inaction towards avenging his father, and he vows to gain his revenge.
Fortinbras marches through Denmark on his way to attack Poland. The army’s captain runs into Hamlet, who inquires about the reason for the war. Hamlet learns the conflict is over a tiny and unprofitable piece of land. He is shocked by the violence humans engage in for such little gain. He self-deprecates himself for his inaction towards avenging his father, and he vows to gain his revenge.
Scene V
Ophelia enters as Gertrude and Horatio are talking about her. Adorned with flowers and oddly singing, she appears to have gone mad. Claudius postulates that her madness stems from her father’s death. Livid over his father’s death and burning to destroy the killer, Laertes returns from France and bursts into the kingdom. Claudius attempts to diffuse Laertes, who plunges into a rage. Claudius, the clever politician that he is, deflects and rechannels Laertes’s rage for his own gain.
Ophelia enters as Gertrude and Horatio are talking about her. Adorned with flowers and oddly singing, she appears to have gone mad. Claudius postulates that her madness stems from her father’s death. Livid over his father’s death and burning to destroy the killer, Laertes returns from France and bursts into the kingdom. Claudius attempts to diffuse Laertes, who plunges into a rage. Claudius, the clever politician that he is, deflects and rechannels Laertes’s rage for his own gain.
Scene VI
Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet, which says that the ship set for England was captured by pirates and the pirates are returning him to Denmark. He asks Horatio to help relay a message to the King and Queen, for there is much to tell about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. After, Horatio sets out to finding Hamlet.
Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet, which says that the ship set for England was captured by pirates and the pirates are returning him to Denmark. He asks Horatio to help relay a message to the King and Queen, for there is much to tell about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. After, Horatio sets out to finding Hamlet.
Scene VII
Claudius and a now calm Laertes discuss Polonius's death. Claudius explains that the burial was secret and Hamlet went unpunished for the sake of the people and Gertrude. Claudius is then informed of Hamlet’s early return to Denmark. This is good news to Laertes, who is eager for revenge against Hamlet. Claudius is obliged to have Hamlet killed since Hamlet poses a threat to his reign. Claudius plots with Laertes to challenge Hamlet in a fencing duel. Laertes will use a sharp poised sword. As backup, if Hamlet wins the battle, he will be rewarded a poison cup of wine. As Laertes and Claudius are in the midst of planning, Gertrude enters to inform them that Ophelia has drowned. Laertes, distraught over having lost his sister so soon after his father’s death, flees.
Claudius and a now calm Laertes discuss Polonius's death. Claudius explains that the burial was secret and Hamlet went unpunished for the sake of the people and Gertrude. Claudius is then informed of Hamlet’s early return to Denmark. This is good news to Laertes, who is eager for revenge against Hamlet. Claudius is obliged to have Hamlet killed since Hamlet poses a threat to his reign. Claudius plots with Laertes to challenge Hamlet in a fencing duel. Laertes will use a sharp poised sword. As backup, if Hamlet wins the battle, he will be rewarded a poison cup of wine. As Laertes and Claudius are in the midst of planning, Gertrude enters to inform them that Ophelia has drowned. Laertes, distraught over having lost his sister so soon after his father’s death, flees.
Act V
Scene I
Gravediggers begin to make a grave for Ophelia. They insinuate her death may have been a suicide. Hamlet and Horatio enter the scene and observe the gravediggers at work. Hamlet inquires who the grave is for. After some rhetoric, the gravedigger reveals it to be woman’s grave. Hamlet sees the skulls and begins lamenting about death. He realizes the hard reality that all men face mortality. Soon the funeral procession begins. Hamlet is still unaware of who has died. Horatio and Hamlet hide during the funeral. Hamlet discovers that Ophelia is the one has has died. Laertes, still distraught over the death of his family, leaps into Ophelia’s grave to hold her one last time. This riles up Hamlet, who bursts upon the funeral. Full of outrage and grief, he declares his love for Ophelia. He also jumps into Ophelia’s grave and quarrels with Laertes that he has more love for Ophelia. Hamlet storms away with Horatio following suite. Despite the quarrel, Claudius reminds Laertes to be patient and wait to ensue their plan for revenge.
Gravediggers begin to make a grave for Ophelia. They insinuate her death may have been a suicide. Hamlet and Horatio enter the scene and observe the gravediggers at work. Hamlet inquires who the grave is for. After some rhetoric, the gravedigger reveals it to be woman’s grave. Hamlet sees the skulls and begins lamenting about death. He realizes the hard reality that all men face mortality. Soon the funeral procession begins. Hamlet is still unaware of who has died. Horatio and Hamlet hide during the funeral. Hamlet discovers that Ophelia is the one has has died. Laertes, still distraught over the death of his family, leaps into Ophelia’s grave to hold her one last time. This riles up Hamlet, who bursts upon the funeral. Full of outrage and grief, he declares his love for Ophelia. He also jumps into Ophelia’s grave and quarrels with Laertes that he has more love for Ophelia. Hamlet storms away with Horatio following suite. Despite the quarrel, Claudius reminds Laertes to be patient and wait to ensue their plan for revenge.
Scene II
Hamlet reveals to Horatio how he escaped his near death in England. He replaced the sealed order that called for his death for one that called for the execution of whoever bears the letter— Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet shows no remorse over the death of his two fake friends, but he does regret his hostility towards Laertes. He acknowledges their shared desire to avenge their fathers’ deaths. Hamlet gets invited to a duel, the one set up by Claudius and Laertes. Though Horatio advises against it, Hamlet agrees to fight. Hamlet asks Laertes for forgiveness, of which Laertes denies. Claudius says he will drink to Hamlet’s victory, throw in a pearl (which is the poison), and have Hamlet also drink in victory. Hamlet and Laertes begin to duel. Hamlet gets the first two hits but rejects the drink. Gertrude rises to drink. Despite Claudius’s warning, she drinks from the poisoned cup. Laertes hits Hamlet with the poison sword. In a scuffle, the two switch blades and Hamlet strikes Laertes with the poison sword. Gertrude dies. Laertes falls and tells Hamlet that he, like Gertrude, dies of poison at the blame of Claudius. Laertes dies. Furious, Hamlet attacks Claudius with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink the poisoned wine. Claudius dies. Hamlet tells Horatio that he is also dying. He urges Horatio against suicide. Instead, Hamlet tells Horatio to live and tell his story. Just as Hamlet dies, Fortinbras arrives. Horatio informs Fortinbras that he can explain the tragedy before him. The play closes with Fortinbras having Hamlet carried away honorably, like a soldier.
Hamlet reveals to Horatio how he escaped his near death in England. He replaced the sealed order that called for his death for one that called for the execution of whoever bears the letter— Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet shows no remorse over the death of his two fake friends, but he does regret his hostility towards Laertes. He acknowledges their shared desire to avenge their fathers’ deaths. Hamlet gets invited to a duel, the one set up by Claudius and Laertes. Though Horatio advises against it, Hamlet agrees to fight. Hamlet asks Laertes for forgiveness, of which Laertes denies. Claudius says he will drink to Hamlet’s victory, throw in a pearl (which is the poison), and have Hamlet also drink in victory. Hamlet and Laertes begin to duel. Hamlet gets the first two hits but rejects the drink. Gertrude rises to drink. Despite Claudius’s warning, she drinks from the poisoned cup. Laertes hits Hamlet with the poison sword. In a scuffle, the two switch blades and Hamlet strikes Laertes with the poison sword. Gertrude dies. Laertes falls and tells Hamlet that he, like Gertrude, dies of poison at the blame of Claudius. Laertes dies. Furious, Hamlet attacks Claudius with the poisoned sword and forces him to drink the poisoned wine. Claudius dies. Hamlet tells Horatio that he is also dying. He urges Horatio against suicide. Instead, Hamlet tells Horatio to live and tell his story. Just as Hamlet dies, Fortinbras arrives. Horatio informs Fortinbras that he can explain the tragedy before him. The play closes with Fortinbras having Hamlet carried away honorably, like a soldier.