Act 1
Scene 1:
Bernardo relieves Francisco from his watch before the castle. Marcellus
arrives with Horatio. Once Francisco has gone, Bernardo and Marcellus discuss
with Horatio their encounter with the ghost the previous evening. Horatio
is skeptical of their claims. The ghost appears and Horatio tries to question
it. The ghost refuses to speak and departs. Marcellus asks why the watch
is necessary. Horatio tells the story of how years ago, Old Hamlet defeated
Old Fortinbras in battle, gaining from him certain lands. Young Fortinbras,
who has yet to prove himself in battle, is disputing Denmark's claim to
the land now that Old Hamlet is dead. Horatio theorizes that the appearance
of the old king may be a portent of danger ahead. The ghost reappears but
once more refuses to speak to Horatio, then vanishes as morning approaches.
Bernardo, Marcellus and Horatio resolve to inform young Hamlet of what
they've seen.
Scene 2:
Claudius is holding court. He begins with a brief eulogy for his dead
brother, the former king, then he addresses his ambassadors who are being
sent to Norway to petition the king to intervene on Denmark's behalf with
Fortinbras, who has asked Denmark to surrender the land once held by his
father. The ambassadors depart with the promise that they'll do their best.
Next Claudius speaks to Laertes, who has requested leave to return to France.
Claudius asks Polonius if he consents to let Laertes leave and Polonius
says he agrees. Claudius grants Laertes permission to leave. Finally, Claudius
turns to Hamlet, who is still in mourning for his father. After a brief
exchange, Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, tells him to get over his grief and
enjoy his position at court. Hamlet admonishes his mother and in turn,
Claudius admonishes Hamlet for his "unmanly grief". Claudius then tells
Hamlet that he does not want him to return to his studies at Wittenberg.
Gertrude implores Hamlet to stay and Hamlet replies that he will obey her.
Claudius declares his approval of Hamlet's accord and escourts Gertrude
away.
Hamlet remains behind, lamenting that his fortunes are so bad but that
he is forbidden from ending his life due to the religious conventions of
his day. Horatio, Bernardo and Marcellus enter. Hamlet is happy to see
Horatio, his old schoolmate. After a brief exchange, Horatio tells Hamlet
of his encounter with the ghost. Hamlet questions Horatio and the rest
about the circumstances of the encounter, then agrees to join them on watch
that night.
Scene 3:
Laertes, preparing to leave, is speaking with his sister Ophelia about
Hamlet. Ophelia reveals that recently, Hamlet has displayed affection for
her which Laertes says she should reject. He explains that Hamlet is subject
to the laws that govern his place at court and is not free to marry who
he chooses. Ophelia tells Laertes that she will follow his advice. Polonius
enters and admonishes Laertes for his lack of haste in departing, then
begins to offer him advice on how he should conduct himself while abroad.
Laertes bids his father and sister farewell and once again reminds Ophelia
of his advice about Hamlet. Ophelia says she will remember. Once he has
gone, Polonius asks Ophelia what Laertes meant about Hamlet. She informs
her father of the attentions Hamlet has been showing her and Polonius echoes
the warnings Laertes gave her regarding Hamlet's station in life.
Scene 4:
Hamlet, Horatio and Marcellus enter. Horatio hears a booming noise
and asks what it is. Hamlet explains that Claudiers
to tell Hamlet that his mother wants to see him. Hamlet says he will comply
and asks that everyone leave him alone for a few minutes. Hamlet ends by
stating that he will confront his mother about her love for Claudius, but
will take no sterner action toward her.
Scene 3:
Claudius is speaking to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and informs them
of his intentions to send Hamlet to England for his safety and the safety
of the realm. He sends them away to prepare. Polonius enters to inform
Claudius that Hamlet will be speaking to Gertrude shortly and that he plans
to hide in the room and listen to their discussion. Claudius approves and
sends Polonius away. Left alone, Claudius is racked with guilt over his
offenses and wonders if he can be forgiven for the murder of a king while
still holding the office which he has gained by that murder. He kneals
and attempts to unburden himself with prayer. While he is praying, Hamlet
enters and determines that now would be a good opportunity to take his
revenge against Claudius. After further consideration, he decides that
to kill Claudius now, while he is purging his soul, would be to allow Claudius
to gain heaven which has been denied to Hamlet's father. Hamlet decides
to wait for a better time to kill Claudius, when his actions will send
Claudius to a more fitting end. After Hamlet has gone, Claudius rises and
states his prayers have been insincere and did not give him the peace he
sought.
Scene 4:
In Gertrude's chamber, Polonius tells her he will hide while she speaks
to Hamlet. Hearing Hamlet coming, Polonius takes refuge behind a curtain.
Hamlet enters and asks his mother what the problem is. Gertrude tells him
he has offended his "father" to which Hamlet replies that it is Gertrude
that has offended his father. During the ensuing exchange, Hamlet takes
Gertrude by the arms to make her sit down and, fearing that her life is
in danger, she cries out for help. Polonius also calls out, revealing his
presence to Hamlet who quickly draws his sword and stabs through the curtain
without knowing who is behind it. He asks his mother if it's the king then
states that the act he has committed is as bad as killing a king and marrying
his brother.
Hamlet pulls back the curtain and realizing who he has killed curses Polonius for his constant interference. Hamlet returns to Gertrude, who is, at first defiant over Hamlet's tone toward her. Hamlet produces a small portrait of his father which he compares to that of Claudius which Gertrude carries. He points out his father's virtues as compared to Claudius' vices. During this exchange, the ghost enters, causing Hamlet to lose his composure. Gertrude is unable to see the ghost and believes that Hamlet has lost his mind. The ghost chides Hamlet for not keeping firm in his resolve and reminds him that he is to leave Gertrude to her fate. The ghost then counsels Hamlet to speak to Gertrude who has been watching Hamlet with horror. Hamlet addresses his mother and tries to explain what is going on. Hamlet tries to make his mother see the ghost as it exits, but she cannot and does not believe it is truly there. Hamlet then begs his mother to confess her sins and not compound them by having futher dealings with Claudius. Gertrude, concerned for her son, admits that his words have moved her. Hamlet regrets the death of Polonius and reminds his mother that he is likely to be sent away for his actions. He once again implores his mother not to go to Claudius' bed again, then exits, dragging the body of Polonius.
Act 4
Scene 1:
Gertrude, upset over Hamlet's recent actions, encounters Claudius with
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Gertrude asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
to leave them alone a few minutes and then tells Claudius of Polonius'
death at the hands of Hamlet. Claudius mourns the death of his trusted
advisor. Gertrude tells Claudius of Hamlet's possible intentions to do
further damage to the body and Claudius repeats his intentions to send
Hamlet to England. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern return and Claudius informs
them of Hamlet's actions and sends them to join in the search for Hamlet.
Claudius will also inform neighboring principalities of Hamlet in case
he attempts to flee Denmark.
Scene 2:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find Hamlet just as he has finished hiding
the body. They question him about where he has hidden it. Hamlet refuses
to answer them and compares Rosencrantz to a sponge which is quick to soak
up the favors of the king. He makes another negative reference to the king,
then tells his former schoolmates to lead him to the king. Just as they
start to lead him away, he breaks away and runs from them, as though playing
a child's game of hide and seek.
Scene 3:
Claudius is telling his attendants that he has sent people to find
Hamlet. Rosencrantz enters and informs Claudius that they have Hamlet,
but that he won't reveal where the body is. Guildenstern brings Hamlet
in and Claudius questions him as to where the body is. Hamlet first tells
Claudius that Polonius is the main dish at a dinner for worms, then expands
the analogy to compare the king to a worm. Claudius loses his patience
and demands to know where the body is. Hamlet tells him to send a messenger
to seek him in heaven or to seek him himself in hell. Finally, Hamlet reveals
that the body is stowed upstairs in the lobby. Claudius then informs Hamlet
that he is to leave for England right away. Claudius implies that he has
a dark purpose for sending Hamlet to England but Hamlet replies that the
king's intentions aren't as secret as he thinks. Hamlet bids farewell,
seeming to confuse Claudius with Gertrude, and is led away with Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern. Claudius, left alone, reveals that the notes accompanying
Hamlet order that he is to be put to death upon his arrival in England.
Scene 4:
Fortinbras appears briefly, instructing his captain to inform the Danish
king that he is leading his men through the kingdom with Claudius' permission.
Fortinbras and the soldiers then depart. Hamlet enters with Rosencrantz
and Guildenstern and asks the captain whose men they are seeing. The captain
informs them that they are Fortinbras' men and that they are going to do
battle in Poland. Hamlet inquires what the purpose of the battle is and
the captain states that it is for a parcel of land that isn't much good
to anyone. Hamlet remarks that Polish forces won't defend it, but the captain
assures him it is very well fortified. The captain leaves to rejoin his
forces and Hamlet asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to go ahead of him.
Hamlet then muses on the fact that Fortinbras is willing to lead hundreds
of men to certain death for a bit of land not worth the sacrifice, yet
Hamlet is unable to avenge his own father's murder. At last he resolves
to refocus his energies on carrying out his promised revenge against his
uncle.
Scene 5:
Gertrude, Horatio and an attendant enter discussing Ophelia. Gertrude
says she does not want to speak to the distracted girl, but the attendant
tells her that people are taking Ophelia's mad rantings seriously as a
blotch on the kingdom. Horatio encourages Gertrude to see Ophelia and she
finally agrees. Ophelia enters, asking for the king. She sings a nonsensical
song for Gertrude who does not know the meaning of it. She continues her
song as Claudius enters. He tries to reason with her but she begins to
sing another nonsensical song which has sexual overtones which she directs
at Claudius. He once again tries to quiet her. She continues in her song,
once again implying some sort of impropriety on Claudius' part. Unable
to silence her, he turns to Gertrude and Horatio to ask how long she has
been like this. Ophelia makes reference to her father's death, then declares
that she will tell her brother of it and departs. Claudius sends Horatio
after Ophelia then decries the many tragedies that have fallen lately.
A noise outside startles him and Gertrude and a gentleman enters to
explain that Laertes has returned from France looking to avenge the death
of his father. Laertes enters with a legion of Danes demanding to see the
king. He asks his men to wait for him outside and confronts Claudius over
the whereabouts of his father. Gertrude tries to calm him, but Claudius
tells her to release Laertes and faces him. Claudius informs him that his
father is dead. Laertes vows revenge on the man who did it. Claudius counsels
him to remember who his friends are and Laertes calms a bit. Claudius vows
to reveal the circumstances behind Polonius' death. Ophelia re-enters and
Laertes is devastated to see her in her distracted state. Ophelia continues
to sing suggestive songs, then distributes flowers to Laertes, Gertrude
and Claudius each with a nonsensical saying. She continues to sing as she
departs. Claudius once again counsels Laertes to take his advice in the
matter and sympathizes with Laertes loss. Laertes agrees to be governed
by Claudius' better judgement.
Scene 6:
Horatio encounters some sailors who have news and letters for him from
Hamlet. He reads the letter, which instructs him to assist one of the men
to get to the king with other letters and to accompany the another of the
men to where Hamlet is. Horatio does as he is instructed.
Scene 7:
Claudius has just told Laertes how Polonius died. Laertes asks why
Claudius did not punish Hamlet for the deed and Claudius explains that
he did not because of Gertrude and because the people of Denmark still
hold Hamlet in high regard. He confides, however, that there may soon be
news which Laertes finds satisfying regarding the matter. A messenger enters
with letters from Hamlet. Claudius reads the letter aloud, in which Hamlet
has returned and begs an audience before the king so that he can explain
how he ended up back in Denmark. Laertes says he is anxious for Hamlet's
return so he can exact his revenge. Claudius encourages him in his pursuit,
but asks that they work together to make the death look like an accident.
Claudius relates that Hamlet has heard many times of Laertes' prowess in
swordplay and is envious of Laertes' skill. Claudius suggests that Hamlet
may be goaded into a duel with Laertes, during which Laertes could "accidently"
kill him. Laertes adds that he can dip his sword tip into a poison he brought
back with him from France which would insure that Hamlet will die if stabbed.
Claudius says he will also prepare a glass of wine with poison in case
the poisoned rapier doesn't work. As they are finalizing their plans, Gertrude
enters and informs them that Ophelia has drowned and describes how it happened.
Laertes leaves and Claudius and Gertrude follow, fearing this will once
again send him into a rage.
Act 5
Scene 1:
Two gravediggers are discussing a person who is to be buried that day.
The discussion centers around whether or not the person, a woman, should
be buried because there is a suspicion that she committed suicide, an offense
which is against the church. They agree that it appears people of a certain
station in life are granted more privileges than more common folk. They
discuss other items and the first gravedigger concludes with a riddle,
who builds a stronger home than a mason, shipwright or carpenter. The answer,
he says, is a gravedigger, as his home must last through doomsday. As this
is going on, Hamlet and Horatio approach the scene. The second gravedigger
leaves and Hamlet and Horatio arrive as the first gravedigger goes about
his business. He sings a merry song as he does and this surprises Hamlet,
though Horatio concludes that his trade makes him less sensitive to death.
The gravedigger begins tossing up skulls and with each one, Hamlet ponders the meaning of the life of the person who once owned the skull. Hamlet asks the gravedigger whose grave it is and the gravedigger replies that it's his. Hamlet questions him further and after several rounds of wordplay, the gravedigger reveals that it was for a woman. Hamlet inquires how long the man has been a gravedigger and he replies that he has been there since the day "young Hamlet" was born, then clarifies that he's been there thirty years. Hamlet asks him other questions. The gravedigger produces another skull and pronounces that it is the skull of the king's jester, Yorick. Hamlet asks to see it. Hamlet reminisces about Yorick who he knew as a youngster then asks Horatio if this was the ultimate fate of Alexander. He goes on to muse about what becomes of people after their death and wonders whether their deeds while on earth are enough to justify the ends to which they come.
Seeing the king, Laertes and others approaching, Hamlet and Horatio
take cover to determine what's going on. Laertes asks the priest what further
services remain and the priest replies that they've already done more than
they should have, considering Ophelia's death may have been a suicide.
Laertes rebukes the priest, stating that Ophelia will make it to heaven
well ahead of the priest. This statement reveals to the hidden Hamlet that
it is Ophelia that's being buried. Gertrude scatters flowers into the grave,
then Laertes leaps into the grave and demands that the dirt be piled on
them both. Hamlet takes issue with this and advances, also leaping into
the grave. He struggles with Laertes. Claudius orders that they be parted
and attendants manage to separate them and they emerge from the grave.
Hamlet then announces that he, too, loved Ophelia and states his objections
to Laertes show of grief. Claudius and Gertrude make excuses for Hamlet's
actions and Hamlet concludes by stating he does not understand why Laertes
has acted so abusive toward him. He storms off and Claudius asks Horatio,
then Gertrude to follow Hamlet. He then reminds Laertes that soon his chance
for revenge will come.
Scene 2:
Hamlet and Horatio are conferring in a room of the castle. Hamlet is
relating how he came to return to Denmark instead of ending up in England
and remarks on how fate seems to be interceding in his life. He relates
how he found the packet Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were carrying and
examined the letters sent by Claudius, learning that he was to be killed
upon arrival in England. He describes how he wrote a second letter, ordering
that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern be put to death and sealed it with his
father's signet ring and replaced it all where he had found it. He further
states that he feels no guilt for the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
as they took on their assignment happily, wishing to curry favor with the
king. Hamlet returns to the theme of revenge and asks Horatio, given all
the offenses Claudius has committed against Hamlet and Denmark, if he isn't
justified in killing Claudius. Horatio reminds him that the news from England
should arrive shortly and Hamlet says he plans to act beforehand. He regrets
having offended Laertes and admits that Laertes grievances with Hamlet
are similar to Hamlet's grievances toward Claudius. He resolves to try
to make amends once he's handled Claudius.
Osric, a courtier, enters and addresses Hamlet. After a great deal of wordplay, during which Hamlet has Osric remove, then replace his hat, Osric states that the king has placed a wager that Laertes cannot best Hamlet in a tournament using rapiers and daggers. Hamlet agrees to the trial and sends Osric on his way. A short time later a lord appears asking when the trial can take place and Hamlet states he will comply with what the king wishes. The lord reports the king and queen are on their way. Once the lord has gone, Horatio cautions Hamlet to listen to any misgivings he has about the contest. Hamlet states that he is willing to abide what providence sends him.
Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes and others enter for the tournament. Claudius asks Hamlet to shake hands with Laertes and call a truce to their differences. Hamlet speaks to Laertes, asking his pardon for the offenses Hamlet has committed against him. Laertes says he's unsatisfied by Hamlet's words, but will put aside their differences until a more appropriate time. Hamlet and Laertes choose their foils, still exchanging words, and Laertes looks for the one with the poisoned tip. Claudius drinks a toast then vows to toss a pearl into the cup for Hamlet if he makes the first or second hit. Hamlet and Laertes begin their duel. Hamlet makes the first hit and Claudius places the pearl into the cup but Hamlet refuses to drink. Hamlet makes a second hit and Claudius declares that he will win. Gertrude takes the cup to drink to Hamlet's health. Claudius tries to stop her, knowing the wine is poisoned, but she insists. Hamlet still refuses to drink. Laertes, in an aside, states his conscience almost keeps him from carrying out his revenge against Hamlet. They resume the match and while waiting for a ruling on a hit, Laertes wounds Hamlet. They scuffle and in the scuffle, they exchange rapiers and Hamlet wounds Laertes. The queen falls and cries out that she is poisoned. Hamlet cries out for the doors to be locked, but Laertes tells him that the poison that has killed his mother will soon kill him. He confesses to the plot and that the tip of the rapier is poisoned as is the wine. Hamlet stabs Claudius with the rapier and for good measure forces him to drink the wine as well.
Laertes calls out to Hamlet to forgive him for his plot against Hamlet
and in return he forgives Hamlet for the offenses he has committed against
Laertes. Laertes dies. Not wanting to outlive his friend, Horatio tries
to drink from the cup too, but Hamlet stops him and asks Horatio to report
on all he has witnessed. A shot is heard from far off and Hamlet asks what
it is. Osric reports that it is Fortinbras, returning from his Polish adventures,
saluting the returning English ambassadors. Hamlet, with his dying breath,
names Fortinbras as his successor, then dies. Fortinbras and the ambassadors
enter and are taken aback by the gruesome scene they find. The ambassador
announces that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead as requested in the
king's order. Horatio explains that the king didn't give the order and
requests that Hamlet and the rest be placed on view while he recounts all
that has befallen them. Fortinbras hastens the story to be told and recalls
that he has some claim to lands in Denmark. Horatio states that he has
some information on that as well. Fortinbras calls on four captains to
bear Hamlet to the stage, stating that had he been given the chance, he
may have proven a worthy king.
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