William Shakespeare, the greatest English playwright, wrote "The Tragedy of Hamlet" in the early 17th century. This five-act tragedy, commonly known as "Hamlet," was first performed around 1600. It centers on a young Danish prince who seeks to avenge his father's death. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears to him, revealing that he was murdered by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius. Claudius then married Hamlet's mother and claimed the throne. Written between 1599 and 1601, "Hamlet" was published in a quarto edition in 1603 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential literary works ever written.
Although "Hamlet" is a fictional story, it was inspired by real oral accounts of Danish history. The story of Amleth, the last King of Jutland, can be found in the writings of Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus. Prince Hamlet's character was derived from several sources, notably Books III and IV of Saxo Grammaticus’s 12th-century "Gesta Danorum" and volume 5 (1570) of "Histoires tragiques," a free translation of Saxo by François de Belleforest. The play was also preceded by an earlier, now-lost play, usually referred to as the "Ur-Hamlet," which is conjectured to have been written by Thomas Kyd.
At the beginning of the play, the ghost of Hamlet's father is seen haunting Elsinore Castle. Horatio, Hamlet's friend, learns of this from a guard and informs Hamlet. When Hamlet encounters the ghost, it tells him, "I could a tale unfold whose lightest word would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood," revealing the details of his murder. Hamlet decides to feign madness while he tests the truth of the ghost's allegations.
In the second act, Hamlet begins to act strangely according to his plan. Claudius becomes suspicious of Hamlet's sudden change. He invites Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to investigate, telling them, "Something have you heard--/Of Hamlet's transformation." Hamlet writes a play that mirrors the murder of his father, watching Claudius closely during the performance. When Claudius reacts by storming out, Hamlet's suspicions are confirmed, and Claudius resolves to send him away.
In the third act, Polonius hides in Gertrude's room to protect her from her unpredictable son. When Hamlet arrives to scold his mother, he hears Polonius behind the arras (a type of tapestry) and kills him, mistaking him for Claudius. He tells his mother, "A bloody deed! almost as bad, good mother, / As kill a king, and marry with his brother." The ghost reappears, urging Hamlet not to delay his revenge or upset his mother. Hamlet then meets Horatio in the graveyard, where they discuss life and death.
As Hamlet heads to England, Claudius plots his murder upon arrival. However, Hamlet returns to Denmark alone, having sent Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths in his place.
In the final act, a duel is arranged between Hamlet and Laertes. Claudius conspires with Laertes to kill Hamlet with either a poisoned rapier or poisoned wine. In the climax, Hamlet kills Claudius but is also fatally wounded. Before dying, Hamlet tells Horatio to explain the events to Prince Fortinbras, who arrives to find the royal family dead.
"Revenge tragedy" is a key theme in "Hamlet," exploring motifs of misogyny, incest, and madness. Shakespeare demonstrates how greed can destroy social class, how power corrupts relationships, and the nature of betrayal and revenge. The royal family holds significant power, making Claudius and Hamlet central figures. In his famous soliloquy, "To be, or not to be -- that is the question. / Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer," Hamlet contemplates life and existence.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's "Hamlet" illustrates the devastating consequences of revenge. Corruption in the play spreads like a disease, leading to numerous deaths and ending with a sense of tragedy and uncertainty about Denmark's future. Samuel Taylor Coleridge's lectures and essays offer insights into the play's themes, characters, and symbolism.
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