HAMLET
"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," a tragic play by William Shakespeare, written around 1599-1601 and published in unauthorized versions in 1603 and 1604, draws its story from various sources, including Saxo Grammaticus's Gesta Danorum and François de Belleforest's Histoires tragiques. The Ghost of the King urges Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new King, his uncle. Hamlet pretends to be mad, ponders life and death, and seeks revenge, while his uncle plots to eliminate him. The play culminates in a deadly duel, resulting in the deaths of the King, Queen, Hamlet's opponent, and Hamlet himself.
MAJOR CHARACTERS
Hamlet – Son of the late King and nephew of the present King, Claudius.
Claudius – King of Denmark, Hamlet's uncle and brother to the former King.
Gertrude – Queen of Denmark and Hamlet's mother.
Polonius – chief counselor to the King.
Ophelia – Polonius's daughter.
Horatio – A friend of Hamlet.
Laertes – Polonius's son.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern – courtiers, friends of Hamlet.
SUMMARY
"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," a tragic play by Shakespeare, centers around the young Prince Hamlet's quest for revenge against his uncle, King Claudius, who murdered Hamlet's father to seize the throne and marry his mother, Queen Gertrude. The appearance of the Ghost of Hamlet's father reveals the truth and triggers Hamlet's determination for vengeance. Hamlet decides to feign madness to uncover the truth, leading to a series of events that cause chaos within the kingdom.
Hamlet's plan to expose Claudius includes a play that reenacts the murder, which deeply affects the King. Claudius, fearing Hamlet's intentions, plots to send him to England to be killed. However, Hamlet foils the plot and returns to Denmark to confront his family's tragic situation.
As events unfold, Ophelia, Hamlet's love interest, goes mad and dies tragically. A duel is arranged between Hamlet and Laertes, Ophelia's brother, where deception and poison lead to multiple deaths. In the end, Hamlet avenges his father's death by killing Claudius, but he succumbs to his own wounds, leaving the responsibility of revealing the truth to his loyal friend, Horatio. The play ends with Fortinbras, the victorious King of Norway, taking control of the kingdom.
THEMES
Hamlet, a complex character, embodies various aspects since his father's death: philosopher, sage, madman, and mentally disturbed.
The theme of revenge is prominent as the Ghost urges Hamlet to avenge his "unjust murder," though revenge is questioned morally.
Religion plays a significant role as Hamlet contemplates suicide but fears its consequences in the afterlife. He hesitates to kill Claudius during prayer, considering his salvation.
Hamlet's delay in seeking revenge is a central and controversial theme. He seeks justification to avoid harming the innocent.
Honor is crucial to Hamlet's quest for revenge, but he insists on acting honorably with justifiable actions. Laertes, in contrast, seeks revenge to preserve his father's honor.
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