Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
First Produced:
Locale: Denmark
Dramatis Personae:
CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark
HAMLET, son to the late King Hamlet, and nephew to
the present king
POLONIUS, Lord Chamberlain
HORATIO, friend to Hamlet
LAERTES, son to Polonius
VOLTEMAND, courtier
CORNELIUS, courtier
ROSENCRANTZ, courtier
GUILDENSTERN, courtier
OSRIC, courtier
GENTLEMEN, courtiers
MARCELLUS, officer
BARNARDO, officer
FRANCISCO, a soldier
REYNALDO, servant to Polonius
FORTINBRAS, Prince of Norway
NORWEGIAN CAPTAIN
DOCTOR OF DIVINITY
PLAYERS
Two CLOWNS, grave-diggers
ENGLISH AMBASSADORS
GERTRUDE, Queen of Denmark, and mother to Hamlet
OPHELIA, daughter to Polonius
GHOST of Hamlet’s Father
LORDS, LADIES, OFFICERS, SOLDIERS, SAILORS,
MESSENGERS, and ATTENDANTS
Brief Synopsis: Act 1. Horatio joins Barnardo and Francisco, who claim to have seen a ghost the previous night.
Horatio is skeptical until he sees it too. Since it appears to be the ghost of Hamlet’s father, he decides to tell
Hamlet. In the meantime, Claudius sends ambassadors to Norway in an effort to stave off an attack on Denmark
by Fortinbras. Laertes gets permission from Claudius and his father, Polonius, to return to France, but Hamlet is
persuaded by Claudius and his mother to stay in Denmark. Alone, he puzzles over the hasty marriage of his
mother to Claudius so soon after his father’s death. When he encounters Horatio, he is told about the ghost.
Act 2. Hamlet had been wooing Ophelia, but Laertes and Polonius both tell her to hold off any close ties to Hamlet
as he is still young and a member of the royalty. She agrees and refuses his letters. In the evening, Hamlet and
Horatio see the ghost, who beckons Hamlet to go with him. Horatio advises him not to go, but Hamlet follows the
ghost, who identifies himself as Hamlet’s father. He tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, who poured
poison into his ear as he was sleeping. He wants Hamlet to avenge his death.
Ophelia reports that she had just met with Hamlet, who seemed to be out of his mind. Claudius asks Guildenstern
and Rosencrantz, friends of Hamlet from Wittenberg, to find out why Hamlet seems berserk. The ambassadors
return from Norway with news that Fortinbras will instead attack Poland. Polonius believes that Hamlet is
heartsick because Ophelia had refused his letters. When Hamlet and Polonius meet, Hamlet is abusive and
incoherent. Some actors later arrive and Hamlet seems cheered up by the prospect of staging a play. Hamlet asks
the players if he can insert some lines into the play and they agree.
Act 3. Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are unable to determine the cause of Hamlet’s madness, so Claudius and
Gertrude arrange a meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia, at which Hamlet tells Ophelia that he does not love her.
Claudius and Gertrude attend the play and see the prologue in which a king and queen enter the stage showing
much affection for each other. The king lies down for a nap and someone sneaks up and pours poison into his ear.
When the play itself begins, the scene is reenacted. Claudius is greatly disturbed and he leaves the play with
Gertrude. Hamlet is now convinced of Claudius’ guilt.
Hamlet - 2
Hamlet meets with his mother while Polonius hides behind a curtain to overhear the conversation. Fearful that
he may try to kill her, Gertrude calls out and Polonius replies from behind the curtain. Thinking it might be
Claudius, Hamlet stabs Polonius through the curtain and kills him. He then confronts his mother about her hasty
marriage to Claudius and urges her to repent for her own salvation. Although he then sees the ghost of his father,
whom Gertrude does not see, he convinces her that he is not mad. He also has her swear that she will not reveal
the fact that he is not mad. He then hides the body of Polonius.
Act 4. Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is as mad as ever and that he has killed Polonius. Claudius says that
Hamlet is too dangerous to remain in Denmark. He sends Guildenstern and Polonius to find the body of Polonius,
but Hamlet refuses to reveal its whereabouts. Claudius summons Hamlet and tells him that he is being sent to
England, accompanied by Guildenstern and Rosencrantz. He also demands and obtains from Hamlet the body of
Polonius. In an aside, Claudius says that he is sending letters with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz for the king of
England, who is told to have Hamlet beheaded.
On his way to the ship, Hamlet encounters a Norwegian captain, who says that Fortinbras and his army will be
passing through Denmark on their way to Poland.
Gertrude reluctantly meets with Ophelia, who is singing incoherently after the death of her father. Laertes returns
from France and also meets an incoherent Ophelia. Claudius is fearful that Laertes blames him for the death of
Polonius, but he is able to divert the anger of Laertes. Horatio receives a letter from Hamlet, who says that the
ship to England was attacked by pirates. He alone was taken prisoner and returned to Denmark. Hamlet’s other
letters are taken to Claudius and Gertrude. Reading that Hamlet wants to meet with him, Claudius devises a plan
with Laertes to kill Hamlet with a poison-tipped rapier in a duel between Hamlet and Laertes. If that fails, a
poisoned cup of wine will also be available.
Gertrude tells Laertes that Ophelia has drowned by falling from a tree into a creek.
Act 5. Hamlet and Horatio encounter gravediggers and then see the funeral procession for Ophelia. Laertes jumps
into the grave and Hamlet jumps in after him. They wrestle only to be separated by attendants. Hamlet and
Horatio leave and Hamlet tells Horatio that he replaced the letters for the king of England with forged letters in
which the king of England is told to execute Guildenstern and Rosencrantz. Osric arrives to tell Hamlet that Laertes
has challenged him to a duel. If he rejects the challenge, he will be put on trial.
Hamlet accepts and when he encounters Laertes, he apologizes to both Claudius and Laertes by saying that it was
the mad Hamlet and not the real Hamlet who killed Polonius. Laertes accepts the apology and they agree to a
fencing match in which Claudius bets on Hamlet. After two hits, Gertrude unknowingly offers the poisoned cup of
wine to Hamlet, who says he will drink it later. Gertrude then drinks the cup of wine. Laertes scores a hit on
Hamlet with the poisoned rapier; they then wrestle and exchange rapiers. Hamlet scores a hit on Laertes with the
poisoned rapier just as Gertrude drops dead. Blaming Claudius for this disaster, Hamlet stabs Claudius, who dies.
Laertes forgives Hamlet and then he too dies. Hamlet, near death, tells Horatio to reveal the true story to
everyone. He dies just as Fortinbras arrives with the English ambassadors, who report that Guildenstern and
Rosencrantz have been executed. Hearing the true story, Fortinbras orders a gun salute in honor of Hamlet.
Hamlet - 3
Summary of the Scenes
Act.Scene
1.1
Lines
1-12
13-17
18-39
1.2
Players
Summary of Conversation
Barnado, Francisco
Barnardo comes to relieve Francisco as the night
guard. It is bitterly cold but quiet. Francisco is heartsick.
Horatio and Marcellus arrive and bid a good night to
Francisco.
Marcellus and Barnardo have seen a “thing” twice at
night, but so far nothing this night. Horatio is
skeptical; Barnardo relates what they saw.
The ghost appears and it resembles Hamlet’s father.
Marcellus and Barnardo tell Horatio to speak to it;
Horatio demands the ghost to speak, but it stalks
away.
Horatio is now convinced that there is a ghost of the
elder Hamlet; he considers it a bad omen. Marcellus
wants to know why there is a night watch at all.
Horatio says that the elder Hamlet had killed the king
of Norway, Fortinbras, and seized much of his land.
Now the younger son wants the land returned.
The ghost reappears and Horatio again demands that
it speak. Just as a cock crows, Bernardo tries to strike
the ghost, so it leaves.
Marcellus regrets the violence shown the ghost by
Barnardo, although it proved to be invulnerable. He
says that dawn (the cock crowing) drives away spirits.
Horatio says that Hamlet should be told about the
ghost.
Claudius feigns sadness over the death of his brother.
The young Fortinbras has made demands for the
return of his father’s lands. Claudius fears that
Fortinbras may believe Denmark to be in disarray
because of the death of the elder Hamlet. He sends
Voltemand and Cornelius as ambassadors to Norway,
the bedridden uncle of Fortinbras, to deliver a letter.
Laertes asks to return to France and Claudius says
that he may do so if his father (Polonius) agrees,
which he does. Hamlet appears depressed and so
Claudius tells him that all men must eventually die
and so Hamlet should get past grieving for his death
father. He also tells Hamlet that he would prefer that
Hamlet stay in Denmark and not return to college in
Wittenberg. Gertrude agrees and Hamlet agrees to
stay.
Hamlet wonders why his mother married Claudius
within just one month after the death of his father.
Francisco, Horatio, Marcellus,
[Barnardo]
Marcellus, Barnardo, Horatio
40-51
Marcellus, Barnardo, Horatio,
[Ghost]
52-125
Marcellus, Barnardo, Horatio
126-142
Marcellus, Barnardo, Horatio,
[Ghost]
143-175
Marcellus, Barnardo, Horatio
1-41
42-128
129-159
Claudius, Cornelius, Voltemand,
[Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius,
Hamlet]
Claudius, Laertes, Polonius,
Hamlet, Gertrude
Hamlet (soliloquy)
Hamlet - 4
Act.Scene
1.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
160-257
Horatio, Hamlet, Marcellus,
Barnardo
1.3
1-52
Hamlet greets Horatio and asks why he has come to
Denmark from Wittenberg. Horatio says to be
present at the elder Hamlet’s funeral. He then tells
Hamlet that he and the guards saw an apparition
during the night. Horatio’s description of the
apparition matches the description of the elder
Hamlet. The younger Hamlet believes that all is not
well, although he still doubts any foul play.
Ophelia bids farewell to Laertes, who advises her that
Hamlet’s love for her may be fleeting, as he is still
young, or he may be required to marry another
because of his birth. She should wait and keep her
affections for him in check. She agrees with his
advice
Polonius tells Laertes that he needs to get going. He
lays his hand on Laertes’ head and then gives him
advice on how to stay out of trouble in France.
Ophelia says that she and Laertes had been
discussing Hamlet, who has been showing much
affection to her. Polonius is not convinced that
Hamlet is sincere since he is still young. He advises
Ophelia to spend less time with Hamlet and to be
skeptical of his promises. She says she will obey.
Hearing some trumpets, Hamlet says that Claudius is
carousing. Hamlet explains that the Danes have a
reputation for drunkenness and this blemish breaks
down the “forts of reason.”
They see the ghost and Hamlet calls to his father to
speak. He asks why he has appeared outside his
sepulcher. The ghost beckons him to come, but
Horatio and Marcellus advise him to stay. Despite
trying to restrain him, Hamlet follows the ghost.
They decide to follow and Marcellus says that
something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
The ghost says that he must shortly return to the
flames of purgatory. He identifies himself and says
that he was murdered. The official story is that he
was bitten by a snake while sleeping, but in fact his
brother, Claudius, had poured poison into his ear. He
wants Hamlet to remember him (avenge his death).
Hamlet is shocked and writes down his promise to
avenge the death of his father.
Hamlet returns to his friends and only tells them that
there is “much offense” without being specific. He
demands that Horatio and Marcellus swear to never
reveal to anyone what they have seen. The ghost
urges them to swear to this and they do so.
53-87
88-136
1.4
1.5
Laertes, Ophelia
Laertes, Polonius, Ophelia
Polonius, Laertes
1-38
Hamlet, Horatio, Marcellus
39-86
Horatio, Hamlet, Marcellus,
[Ghost]
87-91
Horatio, Marcellus
1-91
92-112
113-190
Hamlet, Ghost
Hamlet (soliloquy)
Horatio, Marcellus, Hamlet,
Ghost (below)
Hamlet - 5
Act.Scene
2.1
Lines
1-71
72-117
2.2
1-39
Players
Summary of Conversation
Polonius, Reynaldo
Polonius gives Reynaldo money and some notes to be
delivered to Laertes in Paris. Before he meets with
Laertes, however, he is to observe Laertes to see if he
is engaging in any wild behavior.
Ophelia tells her father that she had just seen
Hamlet, who was disheveled and behaving oddly.
Ophelia had rejected Hamlet’s recent letters, as her
father had advised, so Polonius thinks that this
rejection has driven Hamlet mad. He resolves to tell
Claudius.
Claudius and Gertrude ask Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern, longtime friends of Hamlet and fellow
students at Wittenberg, to find out the cause of
Hamlet’s apparent mental illness.
Polonius tells Claudius that the ambassadors sent to
Norway have arrived. He also says that he knows the
cause of Hamlet’s mental illness, but it can wait.
Gertrude says Hamlet’s mental illness probably stems
from the death of his father and her hasty marriage
to Claudius.
Voltemand reports that Norway stopped Fortinbras
from attacking Denmark even though he had been
making preparations to do so. Instead, he gave
Fortinbras 3,000 crowns and sent him to fight the
Poles. Claudius is pleased.
Polonius tells Gertrude and Claudius that Hamlet is
madly in love with Ophelia and offers as proof a letter
that Hamlet had written to Ophelia, who had rejected
Hamlet’s entreaties based on Polonius’ advice. They
decide to arrange an encounter between Ophelia and
Hamlet, which they will watch in hiding. Claudius and
Gertrude leave when they see Hamlet approaching.
Hamlet greets Polonius by asking him if he is a
fishmonger. He then tells Polonius that he should
keep his daughter out of the sunlight as she might
conceive. Polonius becomes more convinced of
Hamlet’s insanity. Hamlet berates elderly men, such
as Polonius himself; as Polonius is leaving, Hamlet
calls him a tedious, old fool.
After some bantering about the nature of Fortune,
Hamlet is able to extract from his friends the fact that
they had been summoned by Claudius. After telling
of his disenchantment with life, he cheers up when
he is told that an acting company will be arriving. The
company consists of children and the dialogue hints
at the contemporary situation in the London theater
scene.
Ophelia, Polonius
Claudius, Gertrude,
Rosencrantz, Guildenstern
40-53
Polonius, Claudius, [Gertrude]
54-57
Claudius, Gertrude
58-84
Claudius, Voltemand, [Cornelius,
Gertrude, Polonius]
85-169
Polonius, Gertrude, Claudius
170-221
Polonius, Hamlet
222-379
Guildenstern, Rosencrantz,
Hamlet
Hamlet - 6
Act.Scene
2.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
380-420
Polonius, Hamlet, Rosencrantz,
[Guildenstern]
421-534
Hamlet, Player, Polonius,
[Rosencrantz, Guildenstern]
535-549
Hamlet, Player, Rosencrantz,
[Guildenstern]
Hamlet (soliloquy)
In an aside, Hamlet implies to his friends that
Polonius is in the second childhood as an elderly man.
Polonius announces the arrival of some actors, the
best in the world. Hamlet then calls Polonius
“Jephthah” and says that his daughter is a treasure.
(Polonius is unaware of the story of Jephthah’s
daughter, who was sacrificed—Judges 11.)
Hamlet welcomes the players and asks one of them
to recite a speech. He then cites the story of the
Trojan horse from the Aeneid, with particular
reference to Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles. The player
then continues the story by telling how Pyrrhus killed
Priam, the king of Troy. Hamlet then refers to
Hecuba, the queen of Troy. It is decided to present a
play the next evening based on the story of Priam and
Pyrrhus.
Hamlet tells the player that he wants to insert some
lines of his own and the player agrees.
Hamlet chides himself for his lack of passion about
the murder of his father; the player seemed much
more passionate about Hecuba. He hopes by seeing
the reaction of Claudius to the play, he can confirm
Claudius’s guilt.
Being questioned by Claudius, Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are unable to clearly determine the
cause of Hamlet’s madness, but they said he seemed
cheered up by the prospect of a play that very
evening. Claudius is encouraged.
Claudius says that he has summoned Hamlet, so he
can meet Ophelia while he and Polonius watch in
hiding.
Polonius instructs Ophelia on how to greet Hamlet
and tells her that he and Claudius will be hiding.
Claudius, in an aside, says that Polonius remark about
how pious actions sugar over the devil himself is so
true.
In his famous “To be or not to be” speech, Hamlet
contemplates suicide. He then tells Ophelia that he
may have loved her in the past, but not now. He
advises her to join a nunnery in order to protect her
integrity and purity.
Ophelia laments Hamlet’s loss of sanity and her loss
of his affections.
Claudius decides to send Hamlet to England to
recover his sanity. Polonius advises that Hamlet and
Gertrude have a chat after the upcoming play while
Polonius listens to them in hiding.
550-605
3.1
1-28
Claudius, Rosencrantz,
Guildenstern, Gertrude,
Polonius, [Ophelia, Lords]
29-42
Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia,
[Polonius, Lords]
43-54
Polonius, Claudius, [Ophelia,
Lords]
55-149
Hamlet, Ophelia
150-161
Ophelia (soliloquy)
162-188
Claudius, Polonius, [Ophelia]
Hamlet - 7
Act.Scene
3.2
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
1-45
46-51
Hamlet, Player, [other Players]
Hamlet, Polonius, Rosencrantz,
[Guildenstern]
52-89
Horatio, Hamlet
Hamlet instructs the players in the art of acting.
Hamlet asks Polonius if Claudius will be present at the
play. Polonius says that both Claudius and Gertrude
plan to attend.
Hamlet muses about Fortune and passion and then
tells Horatio the purpose of the play. He asks Horatio
to observe Claudius during the key speech in the play.
If there is no obvious reaction, then the ghost was
just that, not the ghost of Hamlet’s father.
Claudius greets Hamlet, who asks Polonius if he had
in fact been an actor at the university; Polonius says
that he was accounted a good one. Gertrude asks
Hamlet to sit next to her, but he puts himself at the
feet of Ophelia and asks to rest his head in her lap.
Hamlet says that his father died two hours previously,
but Ophelia says it was two months ago. The opening
then proceeds when a king and queen in loving
embrace enter the stage. After the king lies down to
nap, someone goes up to him and pours poison into
his ear. The queen returns to find him dead. After
being wooed and offered gifts by the murderer, she
gives into him.
Ophelia asks what the opening means and Hamlet
says that it is meant to be mischievous.
90-135
136-140
141-153
Hamlet, Claudius, Polonius,
Rosencrantz, Gertrude, Ophelia,
[Guildenstern]
Ophelia, Hamlet, [Claudius,
Gertrude, Guildenstern,
Polonius, Rosencrantz]
Hamlet, Ophelia, Prologue,
[Claudius, Gertrude,
Guildenstern, Rosencrantz]
154-243
Player-King, Player-Queen,
Hamlet, Gertrude, Claudius,
[Guildenstern, Ophelia,
Polonius, Prologue,
Rosencrantz]
244-270
Hamlet, Ophelia, Lucianus,
Gertrude, Polonius, Claudius,
[Player-King, Player-Queen,
Prologue, Guildenstern,
Rosencrantz]
271-295
Hamlet, Horatio
Ophelia wants to know if the players will give the
meaning of the opening, which Hamlet affirms.
Ophelia calls Hamlet wicked as Prologue says three
short lines to indicate the main play will begin.
The Player-Queen says that the Player-King has been
forlorn of late, so she reassures him of her great love.
If something should happen to him, she would never
remarry. As the Player-King takes a nap, Hamlet asks
his mother is she likes the play. She says the PlayerQueen protests too much. Claudius wants to know
the name of the play; Hamlet says it is “The
Mousetrap,” based on a murder in Vienna.
Hamlet tells Ophelia that Lucianus is the nephew to
the king. They briefly banter and then Hamlet is
eager for the next act in the play in which Lucianus
pours poison into the ear of the Player-King. At this
point, Claudius rises and Polonius demands the lights.
Everyone leaves except Hamlet and Horatio.
Hamlet relishes his trickery. Horatio says he saw the
reaction of Claudius.
Hamlet - 8
Act.Scene
3.2
3.3
3.4
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
296-344
Guildenstern, Hamlet,
Rosencrantz, [Horatio]
345-372
Hamlet, Guildenstern, [Horatio,
Rosencrantz, Players]
373-387
Hamlet, Polonius [Guildenstern,
Horatio, Rosencrantz, Players]
388-399
Hamlet (soliloquy)
Guildenstern says Claudius is distraught and that
Gertrude wants to see Hamlet before retiring for the
night. He agrees. Rosencrantz asks Hamlet about his
“distemper.” Hamlet says he lacks advancement;
Rosencrantz is puzzled since Claudius has chosen
Hamlet as his successor.
The Players bring a recorder (musical instrument) and
Hamlet asks Guildenstern to play. He refuses as he
says he has no experience with it. Hamlet then says
that Guildenstern will not be able play Hamlet (for a
fool).
Polonius tells Hamlet that his mother wishes to speak
with him. After some banter about the shape of a
cloud, Hamlet says that he will see his mother “by
and by.”
Hamlet is ready to drink blood, but he will temper his
language with his mother.
Claudius asks Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to take
Hamlet to England as he is menace to Denmark.
Polonius tells Claudius that he will hide in order to
overhear the meeting between Hamlet and his
mother. He will then report back.
In a prayer, Claudius admits that his crime stinks to
heaven, but he knows he cannot be forgiven as long
as he keeps his crown and Gertrude.
Hamlet sees Claudius alone praying and toys with the
opportunity to kill him, but then he is afraid that the
soul of Claudius may go to heaven. He will wait to
catch Claudius at a time when he is involved in an act
that would otherwise prevent his salvation.
Polonius advises Gertrude to be firm with Hamlet
about his pranks. He says that he will hide behind a
curtain.
Hamlet asks his mother, “What is the matter?” She
says that he has offended Claudius, but Hamlet
replies that she offended the elder Hamlet. He tells
her sit down and she asks if he intends to kill her.
She calls for help to Polonius, who replies from
behind the curtain. Hamlet stabs him through the
curtain and Polonius dies. Wondering if he had killed
Claudius, Hamlet finds the body of Polonius.
Hamlet is angered by Polonius’ eavesdropping.
Gertrude wants to know why Hamlet is so angry with
her. He then chides her severely for marrying
Claudius. Can she not see what she has done? She
asks him to stop; his words are daggers to her.
1-26
27-35
Claudius, Guildenstern,
Rosencrantz
Claudius, Polonius
36-72
Claudius (soliloquy)
73-96
Hamlet (alone)
1-7
8-24
25-101
Polonius, Gertrude
Hamlet, Gertrude, Polonius
Gertrude, Hamlet
Hamlet - 9
Act.Scene
3.4
4.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
102-136
Hamlet, Gertrude, Ghost
137-217
Gertrude, Hamlet
Hamlet asks the Ghost to protect him. Gertrude
thinks Hamlet is mad. The Ghost tells Hamlet to
speak to his mother. Gertrude tells Hamlet to cool
his passions and asks what he sees. He describes the
Ghost, but Gertrude does not see it.
Gertrude thinks that Hamlet’s vision of the Ghost is
madness, but Hamlet tells her that he is not mad. He
urges to her repent for the sake of her own salvation.
She should refuse the bed of Claudius. She says her
heart is cut in two; Hamlet tells her to throw away
the bad half. He then urges to go to Claudius at
bedtime only to confront him. Hamlet reminds his
mother that he is being sent to England with his two
untrustworthy friends. He ends with her promise
that she will not reveal the fact that Hamlet is not
insane. Hamlet will hide the body of Polonius.
Claudius wants to know what is going on with
Hamlet.
Gertrude tells Claudius that Hamlet is as mad as ever
and that he killed Polonius. Claudius says that
Hamlet is a threat to everyone and must be sent
away immediately.
Claudius tells Guildenstern and Rosencrantz that
Hamlet has killed Polonius; he wants them to find
Hamlet and the body of Polonius, which they should
take to the chapel.
Claudius tells Gertrude that they should consult their
wisest friends and hopefully avoid any further
calamity. Claudius says that he is distraught.
Hamlet refuses to reveal the whereabouts of the
body of Polonius and accuses his friends of being
lackeys for Claudius.
Claudius says that he has sent persons to find Hamlet
and the body of Polonius; he also says that Hamlet is
too dangerous to be running loose. He then laments
the popularity of Hamlet with the people, who look at
the punishments but not the offenses for which the
punishments are imposed.
Rosencrantz tells Claudius that Hamlet will not reveal
the location of Polonius’ body. He says that they
have Hamlet with them.
Claudius wants the body of Polonius. Hamlet says
that Polonius is at supper except that Polonius IS
supper—for the worms. Claudius grows impatient
and Hamlet finally reveals the location of Polonius’
body. He then tells Hamlet to leave immediately for
England for his own protection.
1-4
5-32
Claudius, Gertrude,
[Guildenstern, Rosencrantz]
Claudius, Gertrude
33-37
Claudius, [Gertrude,
Guildenstern, Rosencrantz]
38-45
Claudius, [Gertrude]
4.2
1-31
Hamlet, Rosencrantz,
Guildenstern
4.3
1-11
Claudius, [others]
12-15
Rosencrantz, Claudius
16-53
Claudius, Hamlet, [Guildenstern,
Rosencrantz]
Hamlet - 10
Act.Scene
4.3
Lines
54-56
57-68
4.4
1-8
9-31
32-66
4.5
1-20
Players
Summary of Conversation
Claudius, [Guildenstern,
Rosencrantz]
Claudius (soliloquy)
Claudius tells the two men to follow Hamlet to insure
that he boards the ship for England.
Claudius says that he has sent secret letters to the
authorities in England, a Danish vassalage, to kill
Hamlet.
Fortinbras sends the Captain to tell Claudius that he
will cross Denmark on his way to Poland.
Hamlet asks the Captain about the army. The Captain
says that the army is on its way to conquer a small,
worthless bit of Polish territory. Although worthless,
the Poles are defending it. The Captain goes on his
way and Hamlet tells his friends to go ahead of him.
Hamlet, at the sight of Fortinbras and his army, is
dismayed by his own hesitation in acting against
Claudius. He sees 20,000 men being taken to
possible death without any say in the matter. He
resolves to act forcefully (“be bloody”).
Gertrude says that she will not speak with Ophelia,
but after the Gentleman explains Ophelia’s madness
over the death of her father, Horatio convinces
Gertrude to see her.
Ophelia is singing somewhat incoherently, although
she sings of her father’s death.
Ophelia continues to sing incoherently and Claudius
attributes her behavior to mourning. She does make
reference to being spurned by Hamlet. She leaves
and Claudius tells Horatio to follow her.
Claudius laments the situation in which sorrows come
not singly but in battalions. Polonius is dead; Hamlet
is gone; Ophelia is half-mad; and Laertes has returned
to France to avenge his father’s death. Claudius calls
for his Swiss guards.
The Messenger says that Laertes has arrived with a
mob proclaiming him (Laertes) as king. Gertrude calls
the mob “false Danish dogs.”
Laertes’ followers try to enter the castle, but he
keeps them back. He then demands to see his father.
Claudius asks Laertes why is he so angry. He tells
Laertes that his father is dead; Gertrude adds that
Claudius was not cause of his death. Laertes wants to
know how his father died and vows revenge.
Claudius assures Laertes that he is guiltless.
Fortinbras, Captain
Hamlet, Captain, Rosencrantz,
[Guildenstern]
Hamlet (soliloquy)
Gertrude, Gentleman, Horatio
21-36
Ophelia, Gertrude, [Horatio]
37-74
Gertrude, Ophelia, Claudius,
[Horatio]
75-97
Claudius, Gertrude
98-111
112-154
Claudius, Messenger, Gertrude
Claudius, Laertes, Gertrude
Hamlet - 11
Act.Scene
4.6
4.7
Lines
1-6
Summary of Conversation
Horatio, Gentleman
The Gentleman says that some sailors have letters for
Horatio, who believes that they must have come
from Hamlet.
After receiving the letters, Horatio reads his letter
from Hamlet in which Hamlet explains that his ship to
England was intercepted by pirates. Hamlet alone
was taken prisoner and has been mercifully returned
to Denmark. The other letters should be taken to the
castle.
Claudius says he will work with Laertes to avenge the
death of Polonius, for which Hamlet was responsible.
Laertes wants to know why Claudius is willing to help.
He replies that he acts on account of Gertrude and
also because he fears the people, who view Hamlet
with special affection.
The messenger delivers a letter for Claudius and one
for Gertrude.
Claudius’ letter from Hamlet says that he (Hamlet)
has returned to Denmark alone and that he wishes to
see Claudius, who believes that an accident should be
arranged for the death of Hamlet. Laertes wants to
be the agent of the accident. Claudius tells Laertes
that he [Laeertes] has an excellent reputation with a
rapier. Laertes will challenge Hamlet to a duel, but
Laertes will dip the tip of his sword in poison
beforehand. If this fails to kill Hamlet, then a
poisoned drink will await him.
Gertrude tells Laertes that Ophelia has drowned; she
fell from a tree, and being deranged, was unaware of
the danger. Laertes laments the loss of his sister and
leaves. Claudius, fearful of Laertes, tells Gertrude
that they should follow him.
The clowns are digging the grave for Ophelia and get
into a debate as to when drowning is voluntary or
involuntary. Since Ophelia was a gentlewoman, she
receives a Christian burial regardless of whether she
drowned by choice or not. The first clown asks who
builds the strongest edifice and the second clown
says the gallows-maker.
7-33
Sailor, Horatio
1-35
Claudius, Laertes
36-42
43-162
163-195
5.1
Players
1-55
Claudius, Messenger, [Laertes]
Claudius, Laertes
Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius
Clown 1, Clown 2
Hamlet - 12
Act.Scene
5.1
Lines
Players
Summary of Conversation
218-299
Hamlet, Laertes, a Doctor of
Divinity, Gertrude, Claudius
5.2
1-80
Hamlet and Horatio hide as the funeral procession for
Ophelia arrives. She is denied a full Christian burial
since circumstances of her death were unclear.
Laertes jumps into her grave, when Hamlet comes
forward to reveal himself. He then jumps into the
grave and begins to wrestle with Laertes. They are
separated by attendants and come up from the
grave. Hamlet says that he loved Ophelia more than
40,000 brothers put together. Gertrude pleads on
behalf of Hamlet, saying that he is mad. Hamlet and
Horatio leave and Claudius decides to settle matters
immediately.
Hamlet tells Horatio how he found the letters sent
with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz in which the King
of England is told to have him beheaded. Hamlet
forged new letters in which he told the King of
England to kill the bearers (Guildenstern and
Rosencrantz) of the letters. He sealed the letters
with his father’s signet ring. He regrets that he
gained the enmity of Laertes.
Hamlet introduces Osric to Horatio with some
insulting comments. Osric says that Laertes has
challenged Hamlet to a duel. Hamlet speaks well of
Laertes and asks what weapons Laertes proposes to
use. Osric says a rapier and a dagger. He also says
that Claudius has put a wager on the line; he has bet
on Hamlet. If Hamlet refused the duel, then he will
put on trial. Hamlet accepts.
Hamlet speaks derisively of the servile Osric.
The Lord says that the royal court is ready for the
duel. Horatio tries to dissuade Hamlet, who says that
he has been practicing for some time; he is confident
that he can win. Horatio wants to delay the duel, but
Hamlet says that he is ready.
Hamlet asks for pardon as he says that it was his
madness, not himself, who wronged the king and
killed Polonius. Laertes forgives and they agree to a
friendly duel to settle the wager between Claudius
and Laertes. Hamlet scores a hit and Claudius offers
him the poisoned cup of wine, but Hamlet refuses it
for the moment. Hamlet scores another hit while
Gertrude worries that Hamlet is too out of shape to
continue much longer. She reaches for the poisoned
cup and drinks; Claudius is not able to stop her in
time. Laertes scores a hit on Hamlet and in the
scuffle, exchange rapiers. Hamlet then scores
another hit with the poisoned rapier. Gertrude
collapses, telling Hamlet that the drink was poisoned,
and then she dies.
Hamlet, Horatio
81-182
Osric, Hamlet, Horatio
183-194
195-223
Hamlet, Horatio
Lord, Hamlet, Horatio
224-310
Claudius, Hamlet, Laertes, Osric,
[Gertrude, Horatio]
Hamlet - 13
5.2
311-327
Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius,
(Horatio, Osric]
328-331
332-358
Laertes, [Hamlet, Horatio, Osric]
Hamlet, Horatio, Osric
359-403
Horatio, Fortinbras, English
Ambassadors, [Osric]
Laertes tells Hamlet that they have both been
poisoned by the rapier now in Hamlet’s hand; he
blames Claudius for this disaster, so Hamlet stabs
Claudius and he dies.
Laertes forgives Hamlet and then dies.
Hamlet tells Horatio that he is dead; Horatio offers
him some liquor. Hamlet is concerned about his
reputation and asks Horatio to make known the
whole story in order to protect it. Hearing a shot,
Osric says that Fortinbras has returned from Poland.
Hamlet then dies.
Fortinbras sees the dead and wonders what had
happened. An Ambassador says that Guildenstern
and Rosencrantz were executed; he wants to know
from whom they should receive thanks. Horatio says
that Claudius did not order the executions of
Guildenstern and Rosencrantz; he said that he can
relate the whole story. Fortinbras orders the bodies
to be removed and orders a gun salute for Hamlet.
Body Count
Victim
Means
Assailant
Reference
Polonius
Ophelia
Gertrude
Claudius
Laertes
Hamlet
Guildenstern
Rosencrantz
Stabbed
Drowned
Poisoned
Stabbed/Poisoned rapier
Knicked/Poisoned rapier
Knicked/Poisoned rapier
Executed
Executed
Hamlet
Accident or Suicide
Claudius, unintentionally
Hamlet
Hamlet
Laertes
King of England
King of England
3.4, 8-24
4.7, 163-195
5.2, 290-310
5.2, 321-327
5.2, 302-331
5.2, 302-358
5.2, 367-372
5.2, 367-372