First performed around 1600, Hamlet tells the story of a prince whose duty to revenge his father’s death entangles him in philosophical problems he can’t solve. Shakespeare’s best-known play is widely regarded as the most influential literary work ever written. Read a character analysis of Hamlet, plot summary, and important quotes.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Hamlet, scene by scene breakdowns, and more.
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Summary & Analysis
- Act I, scene i
- Act I, scene ii
- Act I, scenes iii–iv
- Act I, scene v–Act II, scene i
- Act II, scene ii
- Act III, scene i
- Act III, scene ii
- Act III, scene iii
- Act III, scene iv
- Act IV, scenes i–ii
- Act IV, scenes iii–iv
- Act IV, scenes v–vi
- Act IV, scene vii
- Act V, scene i
- Act V, scene ii
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in Hamlet and read in-depth analyses of Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, and more.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Hamlet, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Questions & Answers
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Hamlet and find the answers you need.
- Is the Ghost real?
- Did Hamlet and Ophelia have sex?
- Did Gertrude have an affair with Claudius before he killed Hamlet’s father?
- Who is Fortinbras?
- Why doesn’t Hamlet kill Claudius right away?
- Why does Marcellus say, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (1.4.94)?
- Was Hamlet really in love with Ophelia?
- Why does Hamlet encourage the actor to recite the speech about Pyrrhus and Priam?
- Does Hamlet consider suicide?
- Why is Hamlet so cruel to Ophelia?
- Why does Laertes break into Claudius’s chamber?
- Why does Ophelia go mad?
- Does Ophelia actually kill herself?
- What is the significance of the gravediggers?
- How does Hamlet’s view of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern change?
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Hamlet by reading these key quotes.
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By Section
- Act I, scene i
- Act I, scene ii
- Act I, scenes iii – iv
- Act I, scene v – Act II, scene i
- Act II, scene ii
- Act III, scene i
- Act III, scene ii
- Act III, scene iii
- Act III, scene iv
- Act IV, scenes i – ii
- Act IV, scenes iii – iv
- Act IV, scenes v – vi
- Act IV, scene vii
- Act V, scene i
- Act V, scene ii
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By Symbol
- Yorick’s Skull
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By Setting
- Denmark
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of Hamlet with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Essays
Get ready to ace your Hamlet paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, and more.
Further Study
Go further in your study of Hamlet with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.
