Hamlet

History of the Play Probably written in late 1599 or early 1600. Was first published in 1603. From the outset, has been recognized as one of the greatest works of the English stage, and has remained the most widely produced of Shakespeare’s plays. There have been at least twenty-five film versions of the play.

Literary History The most notoriously problematic of Shakespeare’s plays—tremendous amounts of energy have gone into considering its possible interpretations. Addresses psychological issues of death, sex, and revenge without providing clear-cut resolutions. Play examines the essential duality of human nature, which is both noble and wicked, with numerous comparisons that stress this point.

Hamlet Almost universally considered one of the most remarkable characters in all of literature. He is filled with passion and contradiction. His personality, his attitudes and ideas, even his sub-conscious, have intrigued readers and theater-goers for centuries.

Hamlet’s troubled mind demonstrates the development of an acceptance of life despite the existence of human evil. Recognizes the evil in himself. Represents the dual nature of humankind

Claudius Hamlet’s uncle and new stepfather. Murderer and royal successor of Hamlet’s father and husband of his victim’s widow, Queen Gertrude. Schemes cruelly against Hamlet, even setting up two failed death plots. At the end of the play, his villainy is exposed and condemned.

Gertrude Hamlet’s mother, King Claudius’ former sister-in-law, now his bride. Defined by her desire for station and affection, she uses men to fulfill her instinct for self-preservation. She seems to be unable to think critically about her situation, but merely moves instinctively toward seemingly safe choices.

Ophelia Polonius’ daughter. In love with Hamlet, but forbidden by her father to see him. Rejected by Hamlet, she is unable to bear his “madness” and her father’s death, and she has a breakdown. She drowns in the creek is what is probably a suicide.

Polonius Father of Ophelia and Laertes. Lord Chamberlain of Elsinore. Pompous and wordy fool who likes to spy and eavesdrop. This nasty habit leads to his death.

Horatio Hamlet’s loyal friend and confidante. First character to speak to the ghost of Hamlet’s father. The one person whom Hamlet values and trusts.

Laertes Son of Polonius, brother of Ophelia. Placed in direct contrast with Hamlet by the fact that each seeks and finally achieves revenge for his father’s murder, although Laertes’ method is distinctly unheroic. He is shallow, immature, and easily manipulated.

Themes

The Complexity of Action Indirect Versus Direct Action Indirection is the method by which each of the principal characters pursues his course. Spying, plotting, and role-playing are just a few of the back-handed methods employed by the members of the Danish court. Fortinbras, the Norwegian prince, takes the direct approach when he invades Denmark at the end.

Appearance Versus Reality What is real must be separated from what appears to be real. Several characters appear to be kind and sympathetic, but is it a façade?

Revenge and Justice There are three separate revenge plots in Hamlet—each of a son attempting to avenge the death of his father.

The Mystery of Death Death is considered from a great many perspectives the spiritual aftermath of death--the ghost the physical remainders of the dead--Yorick’s skull and the decaying corpses in the cemetery. Death is both the cause and consequence of revenge. Hamlet repeatedly contemplates suicide and his own mortality.