The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet (/ ˈhæmlɪt /), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet and his attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet's mother ...

Understanding the Context

Free eBook digitized and proofread by volunteers. "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy written between 1599 and 1601. Prince Hamlet of Denmark seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius, who murdered Hamlet's father to seize the throne and marry Hamlet's mother. When a ghost reveals the truth of his father's death, Hamlet must navigate a treacherous court filled with spies, betrayal, and ...

Key Insights

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most popular, and most puzzling, play. It follows the form of a "revenge tragedy," in which the hero, Hamlet, seeks vengeance against his father's murderer, his uncle Claudius, now the king of Denmark. Much of its fascination, however,… Enter HAMLET, ROSENCRANTZ, GUILDENSTERN, and others HAMLET Good sir, whose powers are these? Captain They are of Norway, sir. HAMLET How purposed, sir, I pray you?

Final Thoughts

Captain Against some part of Poland. HAMLET Who commands them, sir? Captain The nephews to old Norway, Fortinbras. HAMLET Goes it against the main of Poland, sir, Or for some ... The best study guide to Hamlet on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.

Hamlet is a tragedy in five acts written by William Shakespeare about 1599–1601 and published in a quarto edition in 1603 from an unauthorized text. Often considered the greatest drama of all time, the play tells the story of the troubled titular prince of Denmark.