Hamlet, A Detaled Summary

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The play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare is about a son’s revenge for his father’s murder and the catastrophe of the ensuing events. This overwhelming adventure of tragedy and deep thought has entertained generations for over four centuries. Like must of Shakespeare’s plays, he uses philosophical thinking characters. Unlike Shakespeare’s other plays there are numerous questions that remain unanswered at the end of the play. The foremost and arguably the most important question could be “Is Hamlet actually crazy?” Is he faking his mental balance, or has he actually gone of the deep end? That sole question continues to question many brilliant minds, and remains unanswered. Therefore, as we begin, the play is set in Denmark, during the Middle Ages, where the house of Hamlet rules all of Denmark.
The story begins with Francisco, a soldier standing watch outside the gates of Elsinore Castle, meeting Barnardo who has arrived to replace him. Marcellus, another guard, and Horatio, a scholar and friend of Hamlet, soon joins Francisco and Barnardo. Horatio has been brought along due to Francisco and Barnardo’s claim to have seen a ghost while on watch. While Barnardo describes to Horatio exactly what he has seen, the ghost appears in front of them. Horatio tells Barnardo that the ghost looks like the deceased King Hamlet, also known as Old Hamlet. Horatio tells Marcellus that he will enlighten young Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark and the son of King Hamlet, that a ghost keeps appearing in the shape of his father. Marcellus knows where young Hamlet is and leaves with Horatio to find him.
Queen Gertrude, other lords, and attendants in the castle accompany King Claudius, who has assumed the throne since his brother King Hamlet died. He addresses the people, telling them that although his brother’s death is fresh in their minds, it is time for them to rejoice his royal marriage to Queen Gertrude, who was also his brother’s...