Hamlet outline. Hamlet Outline 2022-10-14

Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. The play is set in Denmark and follows the story of Prince Hamlet, who seeks revenge for the murder of his father, King Hamlet, by his uncle Claudius. The play is known for its complex characters and themes, as well as its use of dramatic irony and soliloquies.

Below is an outline of the main events in the play:

I. Introduction

• The play opens with the appearance of the ghost of King Hamlet, who tells his son Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius, the king's brother and Hamlet's uncle.
• Hamlet is hesitant to believe the ghost at first, but eventually decides to feign madness in order to investigate and seek revenge.

II. Act I

• The play begins with the appearance of the ghost and Hamlet's encounter with it.
• Horatio, a scholar and friend of Hamlet, is also present and sees the ghost.
• Hamlet speaks with his mother, Queen Gertrude, and Claudius, who are unaware of the ghost's appearance.
• Hamlet feigns madness in order to investigate his father's murder and seek revenge.

III. Act II

• Hamlet meets with the players, a traveling theater troupe, and asks them to perform a play called "The Murder of Gonzago."
• The play is a retelling of King Hamlet's murder, and Hamlet hopes that it will reveal the guilt of Claudius.
• During the performance, Claudius becomes agitated and leaves the room, which Hamlet takes as confirmation of his guilt.
• Hamlet also speaks with his old school friend, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who have been sent by Claudius to spy on him.

IV. Act III

• Hamlet confronts his mother about her role in his father's murder and urges her to confess.
• Polonius, a lord and advisor to Claudius, is spying on the conversation and is accidentally killed by Hamlet.
• Hamlet becomes suspicious of Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, and sends a letter warning him not to attack Denmark.

V. Act IV

• Claudius sends Hamlet to England, hoping to get rid of him.
• Laertes, son of Polonius, returns to Denmark and plots with Claudius to kill Hamlet.
• Ophelia, a lady-in-waiting and Hamlet's former love interest, goes mad and drowns.

VI. Act V

• Fortinbras, who has received Hamlet's letter, attacks Denmark.
• Hamlet returns to Denmark and confronts Laertes in a fencing match, which is rigged by Claudius to kill Hamlet.
• However, the plan backfires and both Laertes and Claudius are killed.
• Hamlet is also fatally wounded, but not before killing Claudius and avenging his father's death.

VII. Conclusion

• The play ends with the death of the main characters and the ascension of Fortinbras as the new king of Denmark.

Throughout the play, themes of revenge, madness, and betrayal are explored through the actions and words of the characters. The play's use of soliloquies and dramatic irony also add to its complexity and depth. Hamlet remains one of Shakespeare's most popular and enduring works, and has been adapted into numerous film, television, and stage productions.