Hamlet full story

**Act 1: The Ghost's Revelation and Hamlet's Vow**

The play opens with guards witnessing the ghost of King Hamlet on the castle battlements. Horatio, Hamlet's friend, is summoned to witness the apparition. The ghost refuses to speak to anyone but Hamlet. Prince Hamlet learns from the ghost that his father was murdered by Claudius, who poured poison into the king's ear while he slept. Hamlet is devastated by this revelation and vows to avenge his father's death.

Meanwhile, the court is celebrating the recent marriage of Queen Gertrude to Claudius. Hamlet is deeply disturbed by his mother's quick remarriage to his uncle. He decides to feign madness to conceal his plans and begins to act erratically, causing confusion among the court.

**Act 2: Hamlet's Antics and Ophelia's Suffering**

Hamlet's erratic behavior continues to baffle the court, leading Polonius, Ophelia's father, to believe that Hamlet's madness is a result of unrequited love for his daughter. Polonius advises Ophelia to reject Hamlet's advances.

In one of the most famous soliloquies in literature, Hamlet reflects on life, death, and the pain of existence in the "To be or not to be" speech. Meanwhile, Hamlet plans to expose Claudius's guilt by staging a play called "The Mousetrap," which mirrors the circumstances of King Hamlet's murder.

**Act 3: The Play Within a Play and Polonius's Death**

"The Mousetrap" is performed in front of the royal court, and Claudius's reaction confirms Hamlet's suspicions of his guilt. Claudius, uneasy and disturbed, leaves the room, and Hamlet is convinced of his uncle's culpability.

In a fit of rage, Hamlet confronts his mother in her chamber, where Polonius is hiding. Mistaking Polonius for Claudius, Hamlet kills him. Ophelia, distraught over her father's death and Hamlet's apparent madness, descends into madness herself.

Claudius, alarmed by Hamlet's actions and fearing for his own safety, begins to plot with Laertes, Polonius's son, to eliminate Hamlet.

**Act 4: Ophelia's Tragedy and Hamlet's Journey to England**

News of Ophelia's madness and Polonius's death reaches the court. Laertes returns from France, seeking revenge for his father's death. Claudius manipulates Laertes into joining him in a plot to kill Hamlet.

Hamlet, aware of the dangers he faces in Denmark, agrees to be sent to England by Claudius. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Claudius has written letters to the English king, instructing him to execute Hamlet upon arrival.

**Act 5: Tragic Fencing Match and Royal Deaths**

Back in Denmark, Ophelia dies by drowning in a stream, her death adding another layer of tragedy to the story. Laertes, fueled by grief and anger, confronts Claudius about his father's death, and the two devise a plan to kill Hamlet.

A fencing match is arranged between Hamlet and Laertes. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Laertes's sword is tipped with poison. In the midst of the match, both Hamlet and Laertes are wounded with the poisoned blade.

Queen Gertrude drinks from a poisoned cup intended for Hamlet and dies. Laertes, in his dying moments, reveals the treacherous plot. In a final act of revenge, Hamlet kills Claudius. Hamlet, fatally wounded, succumbs to the effects of the poison.

Prince Fortinbras of Norway arrives in Denmark, discovering the tragic aftermath. Horatio, Hamlet's loyal friend, is left to recount the tale of betrayal, revenge, and death.

**Conclusion: Themes and Legacy**

"Hamlet" explores profound themes, including the consequences of revenge, the complexities of human nature, and the impact of political corruption. Hamlet's internal conflict and the tragic fate of key characters contribute to the play's enduring legacy.

The character of Hamlet, with his introspective soliloquies and moral ambiguity, remains one of the most intriguing figures in literature. Shakespeare's exploration of psychological depth, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of unchecked ambition continue to captivate audiences and scholars alike.

"Hamlet" stands as a masterpiece, not only for its exploration of human nature but also for its enduring relevance and universal appeal. The play's examination of betrayal, revenge, and the intricacies of the human psyche ensures its place as a timeless and influential work in the canon of world literature.