A Synopsis of Hamlet

   By Scott Bartelson, Management Associate
   [97]Czachórski: Actors before Hamlet Czachórski: Actors before
   Hamlet Czachórski: Actors before Hamlet

   Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is home from school to mourn the
   death of his father, King Hamlet, who has died two months
   earlier. Hamlet is disgusted by the marriage of his newly
   widowed mother, Queen Gertrude, to his Uncle, King Hamlet’s
   brother, Claudius, who now has the throne.

   Shortly thereafter, a ghost has appeared to guards on nightly
   watch as well as Hamlet’s good friend, Horatio, who thinks the
   spirit has a likeness to the former King Hamlet. When prompted
   to speak by Horatio, the ghost will not. Horatio asks Hamlet to
   wait for the ghost and see if it will speak to him. The ghost
   of his father beckons Hamlet to follow him and reveals that his
   brother Claudius poisoned him in the ear. Hamlet vows to avenge
   his father’s murder.

   Meanwhile, Laertes, son to the King’s advisor Polonius is set
   to return to France. Before he leaves, he tells Ophelia, his
   sister, to be weary of Hamlet’s affections towards her.
   Polonius gives Laertes advice on how to act abroad and orders
   Ophelia to stay away from Hamlet.

   Hamlet’s sanity begins to be questioned by all. Claudius and
   Gertrude are both concerned; Polonius suggests it is Ophelia’s
   rejection of his advances. Claudius and Polonius decide to spy
   on Hamlet and Ophelia. Claudius further employs Rosencrantz and
   Guildenstern, two childhood friends of Hamlet, to spy on him
   further. Hamlet quickly realizes their intentions.
   [98]Second Quarto cover page of Hamlet Second Quarto cover page
   of Hamlet Second Quarto cover page of Hamlet

   A troupe of players happens to be in town and Hamlet utilizes
   the actors to determine the validity of his father’s murder. He
   will have them perform the very act of murder, killing a king
   through poison in the ear, which the ghost has claimed. He asks
   Horatio to watch Claudius’ reaction throughout the play. While
   the court is watching, Claudius is enraged and leaves the play
   convincing Hamlet that he is the murderer.

   Hamlet comes upon Claudius in the chapel, kneeling down to
   pray. He considers killing him then and there, but since
   Claudius is in mid-prayer, and will therefore go to heaven if
   he dies, Hamlet decides to wait until Claudius is committing
   some sin, so that he will go to hell like Hamlet’s father
   before him.

   Hamlet meets Gertrude in her room and an argument ensues. When
   he hears Polonius who is hiding behind the curtain shout for
   help, he stabs him thinking it is Claudius. The ghost appears
   to Hamlet to refocus him on the task of killing Claudius.

   Fortinbras, Prince of Norway, whose father’s lands were seized
   by the late King, decides to head to Denmark. Claudius demands
   that Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern head for England.
   Claudius has sent a letter with them ordering Hamlet’s
   execution during the trip. While at sea, however, Hamlet
   discovers his planned murder and switches the orders, causing
   Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to be executed. Hamlet returns to
   Denmark.

   Meanwhile back at Elsinore, Ophelia has gone mad with grief.
   Laertes returns from France and learns it was Hamlet who has
   killed his father, Polonius. Claudius suggests that Laertes
   duel with Hamlet and poisons the tip of Laertes foil for a
   fatal blow. If Laertes loses the duel, Claudius will put poison
   into a drink for Hamlet. Gertrude enters and announces that
   Ophelia has drowned.

   In the graveyard, Hamlet reminisces on a friend of his whose
   skull he has found. When the processional arrives with
   Ophelia’s corpse, Laertes and Hamlet argue. A duel is
   scheduled.

   During the fight, Gertrude accidentally drinks from the
   poisoned chalice and dies. Hamlet is wounded with the poisoned
   sword, but in a scuffle, the foils are switched and Laertes is
   also wounded with the poisoned foil. In dying, Laertes
   confesses Claudius’ plot to kill Hamlet. Hamlet stabs Claudius
   and Hamlet dies asking Horatio to tell his story. The Norwegian
   forces arrive at Elsinore, and Prince Fortinbras seizes control
   of Denmark.