Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Summary

Abstract

Prince Hamlet has been summoned home to Denmark to attend his father's funeral. One night, a Ghost reveals itself to Hamlet, claiming to be the ghost of Hamlet's father, the former king. The Ghost claims that the old king was murdered by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who has since married Hamlet's mother and assumed the throne.
Hamlet decides to uncover the truth for himself. He makes himself appear crazy, mistreating his girlfriend Ophelia to deflect Claudius' suspicion. He later convinces a troupe of players to perform The Murder of Gonzago, a play that reenacts King Hamlet's death by poisoning. Claudius' response to the play is suspicious.