Hamlet

A detailed Summary of Hamlet

Throughout the play many different aspects of Hamlet's personality are shown

by observing his actions and responses to certain situations. Hamlet proves to

be a very complex character and functions as the key element to the

development of the play. He takes on the role of a strong character, but

through his internal weaknesses his destruction is inevitable.

In the opening of the play, Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father

and told to "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (Act 1 Scene 3 li. 31).

Hamlet is not afraid to follow the ghost and speak with it, despite the fact that

Horatio tells him not to go. He questions Horatio as to why he is stopping him

and what is to be feared. Later on, however, Hamlet begins to doubt the ghost's

word. He thinks up the "Murder of Gonzago" to verify the truthfulness of the

ghost and also to allow himself more time. Hamlet's plan is, "...The play's the

thing/Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" (Act 2 Scene 2 li. 633-634).

After learning the truth, Hamlet con

thou dost marry, I'll give thee this plague for thy dowry: be thou as chaste as

Although Hamlet is full of purpose, he lacks the ability to carry out his intentions,

favors, only to become dry again after they mop up the king's mess (spying on

ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny. Get thee to a nunnery,

Ophelia, the one that Hamlet loves. She took her own life, thinking Hamlet's

it is but squeezing you, and, sponge, you shall be dry again" (Act 4 Scene 2 li.

Although Hamlet finally achieved vengeance and justice, it was at a

comparison makes sense, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern soak up all the kings'

murder, but Claudius ignores the questioning by asking where Polonius's body is.

tinues to procrastinate the killing of Claudius.

the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that hath fed of that worm"

terrible cost. Many lives were lost. As each character was presented in the play,

Approximate Word count = 772
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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