Hamlet: Play Summary | Shakespeare's Hamlet | Study Guide | CliffsNotes Bookmark this page Manage My Reading List Prince Hamlet is depressed. Having been summoned home to Denmark from school in Germany to attend his father's funeral, he is shocked to find his mother Gertrude already remarried. The Queen has wed Hamlet's Uncle Claudius , the dead king's brother. To Hamlet, the marriage is "foul incest." Worse still, Claudius has had himself crowned King despite the fact that Hamlet was his father's heir to the throne. Hamlet suspects foul play. When his father's ghost visits the castle, Hamlet's suspicions are confirmed. The Ghost complains that he is unable to rest in peace because he was murdered. Claudius, says the Ghost, poured poison in King Hamlet's ear while the old king napped. Unable to confess and find salvation, King Hamlet is now consigned, for a time, to spend his days in Purgatory and walk the earth by night. He entreats Hamlet to avenge his death, but to spare Gertrude, to let Heaven decide her fate.

Hamlet vows to affect madness — puts "an antic disposition on" — to wear a mask that will enable him to observe the interactions in the castle, but finds himself more confused than ever. In his persistent confusion, he questions the Ghost's trustworthiness. What if the Ghost is not a true spirit, but rather an agent of the devil sent to tempt him? What if killing Claudius results in Hamlet's having to relive his memories for all eternity? Hamlet agonizes over what he perceives as his cowardice because he cannot stop himself from thinking. Words immobilize Hamlet, but the world he lives in prizes action. In order to test the Ghost's sincerity, Hamlet enlists the help of a troupe of players who perform a play called The Murder of Gonzago to which Hamlet has added scenes that recreate the murder the Ghost described. Hamlet calls the revised play The Mousetrap, and the ploy proves a success. As Hamlet had hoped, Claudius' reaction to the staged murder reveals the King to be conscience-stricken. Claudius leaves the room because he cannot breathe, and his vision is dimmed for want of light.

Convinced now that Claudius is a villain, Hamlet resolves to kill him. But, as Hamlet observes, "conscience doth make cowards of us all." In his continued reluctance to dispatch Claudius, Hamlet actually causes six ancillary deaths. The first death belongs to Polonius , whom Hamlet stabs through a wallhanging as the old man spies on Hamlet and Gertrude in the Queen's private chamber. Claudius punishes Hamlet for Polonius' death by exiling him to England. He has brought Hamlet's school chums Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to Denmark from Germany to spy on his nephew, and now he instructs them to deliver Hamlet into the English king's hands for execution. Hamlet discovers the plot and arranges for the hanging of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern instead. Ophelia , distraught over her father's death and Hamlet's behavior, drowns while singing sad love songs bemoaning the fate of a spurned lover. Her brother, Laertes , falls next. Laertes, returned to Denmark from France to avenge his father's death, witnesses Ophelia's descent into madness.

After her funeral, where he and Hamlet come to blows over which of them loved Ophelia best, Laertes vows to punish Hamlet for her death as well. Unencumbered by words, Laertes plots with Claudius to kill Hamlet. In the midst of the sword fight, however, Laertes drops his poisoned sword. Hamlet retrieves the sword and cuts Laertes. The lethal poison kills Laertes. Before he dies, Laertes tells Hamlet that because Hamlet has already been cut with the same sword, he too will shortly die. Horatio diverts Hamlet's attention from Laertes for a moment by pointing out that "The Queen falls." Gertrude, believing that Hamlet's hitting Laertes means her son is winning the fencing match, has drunk a toast to her son from the poisoned cup Claudius had intended for Hamlet. The Queen dies. As Laertes lies dying, he confesses to Hamlet his part in the plot and explains that Gertrude's death lies on Claudius' head. Finally enraged, Hamlet stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword and then pours the last of the poisoned wine down the King's throat.

Before he dies, Hamlet declares that the throne should now pass to Prince Fortinbras of Norway, and he implores his true friend Horatio to accurately explain the events that have led to the bloodbath at Elsinore. With his last breath, he releases himself from the prison of his words: "The rest is silence." The play ends as Prince Fortinbras, in his first act as King of Denmark, orders a funeral with full military honors for slain Prince Hamlet. Free Characters In Hamlet The Play William Shakespeare Essays The Play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare HamletIn the play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet never loses his sanity, in his plan to feign madness. Hamlet tells Horatio and Guildenstern that he is feigning his madness. Hamlet only acts mad around characters whom he has suspicion of their knowledge concerning his father's dea ... HamletIn the play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet never loses his sanity, in his plan to feign madness. ... Hamlet only acts mad around characters whom he has suspicion of their knowledge concerning his father's death. ...

These are the characters that Hamlet may have reason to suspect played a part in his father's death. ... He uses the play "The Mousetrap" and his dialogues with these characters as a means of unmasking the truth in his father's murder. ... Hamlet only acts mad around characters whom he has suspicion of their knowledge concerning his father&... Wordcount: 628 A Review on Shakespeare's Hamlet SHAKESPEARE'S "HAMLET"By Cailin Thompson"Hamlet", one of William Shakespeare's greatest plays was written around the 1600's. In those days, theatres and plays were hard to come by for the poor people and the rich always mocked the actors. Women were not allowed to act, so if they needed someone to ... SHAKESPEARE'S "HAMLET"By Cailin Thompson"Hamlet", one of William Shakespeare's greatest plays was written around the 1600's. ... William Shakespeare was a man who looked for romance in all the possible ways. ... Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" was, and still is, the most popular out of all his plays. ...

Another character that Hamlet didn't trust was the ghost, nor did he trust what it said. ... Shakespeare always killed off his main characters. ... Wordcount: 545 Hamlet's Play by William Shakespeare In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, the theme of madness is presented many times. Whether the reason for madness is selfishness, sorrow, or "method," the result is always death. Clearly, Claudius, Ophelia, and Hamlet are three prime examples of humans who let their emotions overpowe ... In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, the theme of madness is presented many times. ... Although he is mad, Claudius is certainly aware of his deadly actions.Perhaps Ophelia is the only character who is truly mad in the play. ... Hamlet is the only character in the play that acts as if he is mad. ... The result of Hamlet's plan is extremely ironic. ... Throughout the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare clearly presents the theme of madness. ...

Wordcount: 485 William Shakespeare's Most Famous Play, Hamlet Hamlet's KillingsIn William Shakespeare's most famous play, "Hamlet," the main character, Hamlet, is either directly or indirectly responsible for the murder of many characters throughout the play. The audience of the play is left wondering which of the deaths are justified and which is not. The p ... Hamlet's KillingsIn William Shakespeare's most famous play, "Hamlet," the main character, Hamlet, is either directly or indirectly responsible for the murder of many characters throughout the play. ... Hamlet does slay Laertes at the end of the play. ... Her state of madness is a result of how Hamlet pretends to be mad throughout the play. ... That is the most justified murder of the play avenging the unjustified murder of Hamlet's father. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**Shakespeare, William, Hamlet... Wordcount: 1078 The Frightful Calamity in the Play Hamlet by William Shakespeare In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare a frightful calamity occurs. We see two characters Hamlet and Laertes who both seek to revenge the murderers of their departed fathers.

Many of the readers may contemplate if Hamlet is crazy for what he believes to be true. Hamlet is dynamic, animated, an ... In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare a frightful calamity occurs. ... Throughout the play Shakespeare incorporates a theme of madness. Moreover, madness is brilliantly portrayed through the character of Hamlet. ... Hamlet and Laertes have a duel but Laertaes stabs Hamlet with a poison sword when he isn't looking.In this play two characters Hamlet and Laertes both seek revenge of their dead fathers. ... In this play by William Shakespeare Hamlet is the only sane being.... Wordcount: 1097 "Hamlet by William Shakespeare" HamletIn Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the importance of characters Laertes and Fortinbras have been an issue that's discussed and analyzed by many literary critics. Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras are parallel characters in the play. Laertes and Fortinbras are often use by Shakespeare to compare ... HamletIn Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the importance of characters Laertes and Fortinbras have been an issue that's discussed and analyzed by many literary critics.

Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras are parallel characters in the play. Laertes and Fortinbras are often use by Shakespeare to compare the actions and emotions of Hamlet throughout the play. "They are also important in Hamlet as they are imperative to the plot of the play and the final resolution" (Nardo, 88). ... The last scene of the play demonstrates the true character of Fortinbras. ... Wordcount: 1036 Hamlet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare Hamlet: A Tragic HeroHamlet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, once again gave me an opportunity to understand and gain more knowledge on how Shakespeare regarded most of his main characters as tragic heroes themselves. Since the play "Hamlet" was totally full of tragedy, it certainly was po ... Hamlet: A Tragic HeroHamlet, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, once again gave me an opportunity to understand and gain more knowledge on how Shakespeare regarded most of his main characters as tragic heroes themselves.

Since the play "Hamlet" was totally full of tragedy, it certainly was portrayed by once again a tragic hero named Hamlet.Upon watching Tanghalang Pilipino's "Hamlet" at the CCP, the first thing I was able to notice was the portrayal of the Hamlet's character. As in right from the start, I was able to see how the character Hamlet was played as a brave, clever, ... Wordcount: 542 Hamlet by William Shakespeare Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is theprotagonist of the play and is portrayed as a very emotional soul, adaring, brave character who has a bad and violent temper. Hamlet is a very emotional young man. As we all know, his father'sdeath was a shock for him and he ... Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is theprotagonist of the play and is portrayed as a very emotional soul, adaring, brave character who has a bad and violent temper. ... Hamlet is also a brave and daring character. ... These are three of Hamlet's character traits as seen in Shakespeare'sHamlet. ... REFERENCESShakespeare, William. ...

Wordcount: 1165 Duplicitous Characters in William Shakespeare's Hamlet An Exploration of the Theme of Appearance vs. Reality in Shakespeare's HamletIn William Shakespeare's Hamlet, many of the characters exhibit a puzzling, duplicitous nature, namely, Hamlet and Claudius. Shakespeare weaves an ambiguous tale where, through the attributes of acting a role and that of be ... Reality in Shakespeare's HamletIn William Shakespeare's Hamlet, many of the characters exhibit a puzzling, duplicitous nature, namely, Hamlet and Claudius. Shakespeare weaves an ambiguous tale where, through the attributes of acting a role and that of being true to one's self, each of the characters appear to be something they are not (Unknown2 2). ... There is no confusion about Hamlet's character at this point; he appears to be concentrating wholly on the injustice committed against his father (Unknown1 4). ... "(1.5.44), is perhaps the most deceptive, hypocritical chara...

Wordcount: 968 Strength of Will in Hamlet's Character Hamlets CharacterIn the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlets character is one marked by strength of will, but mostly by refinement of thought and sentiment. The character of Hamlet has one main goal, and this is to avenge his father's death. This, his core obligation, sometimes clashes with ... Hamlets CharacterIn the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlets character is one marked by strength of will, but mostly by refinement of thought and sentiment. The character of Hamlet has one main goal, and this is to avenge his father's death. ... This very issue creates what is the main conflict of in this play.In the play it is seen that Hamlet's ruling passion is to think. ... These extremities are in fact of no relevance because the genuineness of Hamlet's character continues to shine through, even as he murders, and on through his own death. In fact, the confusion th...

Wordcount: 412 Literary Study on Hamlet Literary study on Hamlet by William Shakespeare Hamlet by William Shakespeare clearly explores both individual experience and themes of universal significance.In the beginning of the play we see some examples of deceit and lying. The queen has married her dead husband's brother Claudius. According ... Literary study on Hamlet by William Shakespeare Hamlet by William Shakespeare clearly explores both individual experience and themes of universal significance.In the beginning of the play we see some examples of deceit and lying. ... We see the king and queen scolding Hamlet for still mourning over his father's death."... Nay it is, I know not 'seems'`Tis not alone my inky cloak good mother".When Hamlet says "not alone my inky cloak" he means that his grief, unlike hers was not only a matter of dress.We see examples of deceit, contamination and revenge right through the whole o... Wordcount: 409 The Supernatural Aspect in Shakespeare Plays Supernatural Occurrences in Hamlet and MacbethIn the time of William Shakespeare there was a strong belief in the existence of the supernatural. Thus, the supernatural is a recurring aspect in many of Shakespeare's plays.

In two such plays, Hamlet and Macbeth, the supernatural is an integral part of ... Supernatural Occurrences in Hamlet and MacbethIn the time of William Shakespeare there was a strong belief in the existence of the supernatural. Thus, the supernatural is a recurring aspect in many of Shakespeare's plays. ... Through this quote, an aspect of Hamlet's character is revealed. ... The supernatural is a recurring aspect in many of the plays by William Shakespeare. ... In these plays the supernatural provides a catalyst for action by the characters. ... Wordcount: 506 The Extreme William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" William Shakespeare's Hamlet is an extremely well thought out play. Each component is included quite purposefully. All have their own specific contributions to the play. Perhaps, it is Hamlet's peers that endow the most. Horatio, Ophelia, and Laertes all provide key character contrasts to Hamlet. Th ... William Shakespeare's Hamlet is an extremely well thought out play. ... Horatio, Ophelia, and Laertes all provide key character contrasts to Hamlet. ... Also, this paper will describe how each peer impacts the major character, Hamlet.Laertes occupies a unique role in the play.

... His superior knowledge and strength of character provides him with the capabilities to give good advice, and there is no other person who seeks his advice more than Hamlet. ... His support of Hamlet is demonstrated throughout the play and the advice he provides Hamlet contributes to the outcome of the play. ... Wordcount: 1502 The Tragic Play " Hamlet " In HAMLET, a tragic play written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, the main and most controversial character, will have readers looking more deeply into their inner self to examine their habitual ways. Shakespeare uses Hamlet's self-pitying and self-centered character as an instrument that instructs ... In HAMLET, a tragic play written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, the main and most controversial character, will have readers looking more deeply into their inner self to examine their habitual ways. Shakespeare uses Hamlet's self-pitying and self-centered character as an instrument that instructs the reader to evaluate his or her own interaction and communication with people. ... This causes other characters in the play to believe that Hamlet's madness is derived from the fact that Ophelia has disregarded his love for her. ... Shakespeare's purpose for creating Hamlet is to ...

Wordcount: 1046 The plays Othello and Hamlet The plays Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, have many similarities and differences. Two main characters Iago, of Othello, and Hamlet, of Hamlet, can be compared and contrasted through characterization. Characterization is the represention of characteristics or motives of a characte ... The plays Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, have many similarities and differences. ... He has been deceived, lied to, and lost the ones he h truly loved.The plays Othello and Hamlet can be compared through their characterization of characters. ... Iago's manipulative plot led to the death of many characters in the play. ... Bradley shows that Shakespeare often has very villainous characters and hero type characters that allows the readers to differentiate from the villns and the heroes. In conclusion, these two plays, Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare h...

Wordcount: 984 Analysis of Hamlet Characters Hamlet's Character1In the original version of the famous play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet, Prince of Denmark son of the late King Hamlet and nephew of the present king, is a melancholy protagonist and the main character of the play. This is also the case in two othe ... Hamlet's Character1In the original version of the famous play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, the character Hamlet, Prince of Denmark son of the late King Hamlet and nephew of the present king, is a melancholy protagonist and the main character of the play. ... In Shakespeare's version, in the beginning of the story, Hamlet's character was struggling with the sudden marriage of his mother, Gertrude, to his uncle, Claudius, a month after his father is death. ... Throughout Zefferilli's production of the play Hamlet, Hamlets's interactions with people gives the... Wordcount: 1280 Complexity Of Hamlets Character Enclosed in William Shakespeare's Hamlet lies the greatest gallery of captivating characters.

The role of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, in particular is considered one of theater's greatest acting challenges, as well as an aspect noted for the success of the play. Shakespeare focused the tragedy on t ... Enclosed in William Shakespeare's Hamlet lies the greatest gallery of captivating characters. The role of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, in particular is considered one of theater's greatest acting challenges, as well as an aspect noted for the success of the play. ... The mystery of Hamlet's complex character attributes intensely to the exultation and success of Shakespeare's masterpiece. This mystery marks the essence of Hamlet's character as it ultimately does for all human personalities. Bibliography William Shakespeare's Hamlet... Wordcount: 898 The Similarities and Differences between Hamlet and Laertes Do you think Hamlet and Laertes are a like, or different? In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare Hamlet and Laertes show some signs that they are a like and some show there different, taking revenge, having feelings for people and the thoughts and actions of people. These two characters ...

In the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare Hamlet and Laertes show some signs that they are a like and some show there different, taking revenge, having feelings for people and the thoughts and actions of people. ... (Shakespeare, Hamlet, III, iii, 74-83)Laertes on the other hand is the exact opposite of Hamlet, he does not think before he does things. ... Hamlet had a chance to kill Claudius earlier on in the play when he was praying but he decided not to capitalize on that opportunity and waited for the end of the play after his mother died after drinking a poisoned drink that was i... Wordcount: 1102 Laertes, Horatio and Fortinbras as foil characters to Hamlet Hamlet: Foil CharactersIn William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Hamlet's character development is helped greatly by the similarities and differences in his foil characters. One of Hamlet's foil characters is Laertes. Both Laertes and Hamlet went through the tragedies of loosing their fathers. Although ... Hamlet: Foil CharactersIn William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Hamlet's character development is helped greatly by the similarities and differences in his foil characters.

One of Hamlet's foil characters is Laertes. ... Another one of Hamlets foil characters is Horatio. ... Through Horatio, Hamlet is shown to be very courageous and trusting.Finally, another one of Hamlets foil characters is Fortinbras, the king of Norway. ... Although this happened at the end of the play, it deeply widens the development of Hamlets character.The main cast in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet ... Wordcount: 349 A Research on Hamlet Play Hamlet Research paperIn the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare Two of the character's fathers are brutishly murdered. The first murdered character is King Hamlet who is supposed to be revenge by his son prince Hamlet. The second murder is Polonius who is supposed to be revenged by his son Laerte ... Hamlet Research paperIn the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare Two of the character's fathers are brutishly murdered. The first murdered character is King Hamlet who is supposed to be revenge by his son prince Hamlet. ... Later in the play a troop of actors come to act out a play, and Hamlet has them reenact the murder of is father in front of his uncle Claudius. ...

In this play Hamlet by William Shakespeare these two characters Hamlet and Laertes both seek to revenged their slayed fathers. ... In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the concept of cultural identity is explored ... Wordcount: 3100 Similarities and Differences of Othello and Hamlet By Shakespeare The plays Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, have many similarities and differences. Two main characters Iago, of Othello, and Hamlet, of Hamlet, can be compared and contrasted through characterization. Characterization is the represent ion of characteristics or motives of a charact ... The plays Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, have many similarities and differences. ... The plays Othello and Hamlet can be compared through their characterization of characters. ... Iago's manipulative plot led to the death of many characters in the play. ... Bradley shows that Shakespeare often has very villainous characters and hero type characters that allows the readers to differentiate from the vill ns and the heroes. In conclusion, these two plays, Othello and Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare have proven their comparisons and contrasting points very well. ...

Wordcount: 993 Hamlet Hamlet Exam Is Hamlet an Oedipal character?After the reading of the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, one may concluded that Hamlet is not an Oedipal character. According to the story of Oedipus, his father, Laius, learned from a prophet that Oedipus would kill him. Upon this revelation, Laius le ... Hamlet Exam Is Hamlet an Oedipal character?After the reading of the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, one may concluded that Hamlet is not an Oedipal character. ... By definition Hamlet cannot be looked upon as an example as an Oedipal character, Hamlet's true father is dead. ... In the play it may be implied that Hamlet loves his mother, however it is not implied he is in love with her or lust for her sexually. ... Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum, what wilt thou do for her" (Act 5 scene 1 lines 243-245).After the reading of the play Ham...

Wordcount: 421 The most popular plays of William Shakespeare Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. It has been enjoyed by audiences throughout its existence, and also criticized by critics. Since the time it was written, critics have been trying to explain Hamlet's odd behavior, and the apparent lack of explanation for the absurdit ... Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. ... Elliot says the play is a failure because Shakespeare's fails to impart to the audience how one would feel in Hamlet's situation. ... Hamlet's Christian beliefs play an important role in his lack of action.The character of Hamlet was not constant throughout the play. ... We see in this soliloquy the true character of Hamlet. ... Hamlet is rather a brilliant play, in which Shakespeare successfully attempts to impart the feelings of grief. ... Wordcount: 1774 Character Analysis of Hamlet Character Analysis of HamletBy: AnonymousHamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is the protagonist of the play and is portrayed as a very emotional soul, a daring, brave character who has a bad and violent temper. Hamlet is a very emotional young man.

As we all know, his father's ... Character Analysis of HamletBy: AnonymousHamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is the protagonist of the play and is portrayed as a very emotional soul, a daring, brave character who has a bad and violent temper. ... Hamlet is also a brave and daring character. ... These are three of Hamlet's character traits as seen in Shakespeare's Hamlet. ... I feel that this character trait is the most significant because if Hamlet had not met with the ghost or set up "The Mousetrap", the play would not have been where it is now since he wouldn't know what happened to hi... Wordcount: 922 Hamlet: William Shakespeare's Masterpiece Hamlet is considered by many scholars to be William Shakespeare's masterpiece. Shakespeare has written many tragedies, comedies, and histories. His works have been widely produced around the world and are read more widely than any other author in the world. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avo ... Hamlet is considered by many scholars to be William Shakespeare's masterpiece. ...

William Shakespeare was said to have knowledge in music, law, the Bible, military science, the stage, art, politics, the sea, history, hunting, woodcraft, and sports. ... In the tragedy Hamlet the major characters are Hamlet, Claudius, and Laertes. ... Although Hamlet accepts the ghost's words while Hamlet is present with the ghost, during the play Hamlet has doubts about weither the ghost really was real or not. ... Hamlet tries to test Claudius' guilt by performing a play which will reproduce Cl... Wordcount: 794 SparkNotes: Hamlet: Character List Character List Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Hamlet - The Prince of Denmark, the title character, and the protagonist. About thirty years old at the start of the play, Hamlet is the son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, and the nephew of the present king, Claudius. Hamlet is melancholy, bitter, and cynical, full of hatred for his uncle’s scheming and disgust for his mother’s sexuality.

A reflective and thoughtful young man who has studied at the University of Wittenberg, Hamlet is often indecisive and hesitant, but at other times prone to rash and impulsive acts. Read an in-depth analysis of Hamlet. Claudius - The King of Denmark, Hamlet’s uncle, and the play’s antagonist. The villain of the play, Claudius is a calculating, ambitious politician, driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power, but he occasionally shows signs of guilt and human feeling—his love for Gertrude, for instance, seems sincere. Read an in-depth analysis of Gertrude. Polonius - The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’s court, a pompous, conniving old man. Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia. Horatio - Hamlet’s close friend, who studied with the prince at the university in Wittenberg. Horatio is loyal and helpful to Hamlet throughout the play. After Hamlet’s death, Horatio remains alive to tell Hamlet’s story. Ophelia - Polonius’s daughter, a beautiful young woman with whom Hamlet has been in love.

Ophelia is a sweet and innocent young girl, who obeys her father and her brother, Laertes. Dependent on men to tell her how to behave, she gives in to Polonius’s schemes to spy on Hamlet. Even in her lapse into madness and death, she remains maidenly, singing songs about flowers and finally drowning in the river amid the flower garlands she had gathered. Laertes - Polonius’s son and Ophelia’s brother, a young man who spends much of the play in France. Passionate and quick to action, Laertes is clearly a foil for the reflective Hamlet. Fortinbras - The young Prince of Norway, whose father the king (also named Fortinbras) was killed by Hamlet’s father (also named Hamlet). Now Fortinbras wishes to attack Denmark to avenge his father’s honor, making him another foil for Prince Hamlet. The Ghost - The specter of Hamlet’s recently deceased father. The ghost, who claims to have been murdered by Claudius, calls upon Hamlet to avenge him. However, it is not entirely certain whether the ghost is what it appears to be, or whether it is something else.

Hamlet speculates that the ghost might be a devil sent to deceive him and tempt him into murder, and the question of what the ghost is or where it comes from is never definitively resolved. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Two slightly bumbling courtiers, former friends of Hamlet from Wittenberg, who are summoned by Claudius and Gertrude to discover the cause of Hamlet’s strange behavior. Osric - The foolish courtier who summons Hamlet to his duel with Laertes. Voltimand and Cornelius - Courtiers whom Claudius sends to Norway to persuade the king to prevent Fortinbras from attacking. Marcellus and Bernardo - The officers who first see the ghost walking the ramparts of Elsinore and who summon Horatio to witness it. Marcellus is present when Hamlet first encounters the ghost. Francisco - A soldier and guardsman at Elsinore. Reynaldo - Polonius’s servant, who is sent to France by Polonius to check up on and spy on Laertes. Shakespeare's Horatio: An analysis of Hamlet's Friend Horatio Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life Extorted treasure in the womb of earth...

Speak of it, stay and speak! (I.i.133-9) Hamlet admires Horatio for the qualities that Hamlet himself does not possess. He praises Horatio for his virtue and self-control: "Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man/As e'er my conversation cop'd withal" (III.ii.56-7). Horatio's strength of character is unwavering, and Hamlet longs for the peace of mind that such stoicism must bring to Horatio: Dost thou hear? Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice, And could of men distinguish her election, Hath seal'd thee for herself, for thou hast been As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing, A man that fortune's buffets and rewards Hast ta'en with equal thanks: and blest are those Whose blood and judgement are so well commedled That they are not a pipe for fortune's finger To sound what stop she please. Give me that man That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart, As i do thee.

(III.ii.63-75) Thus Horatio has reached an apex that Hamlet recognizes is the freedom from emotional upheaval. Horatio feels deeply; he loves Hamlet with all his heart; but he feels nothing to the extent that it will overrule him. Horatio is not "passion's slave." His stability has made him the posterchild for the classical world and Hamlet, in his deep friendship and admiration of Horatio tries to learn from him. As Cicero writes, surely envisioning someone like Horatio, "There is no one of any nation who, having found a leader, cannot arrive at virtue" (Laws I.30). When Hamlet lies dying, Horatio is prepared to commit the very passionate act of suicide so that he will not have to live without his beloved friend, but even in this he is resolute and level-headed, acting not out of uncontrollable emotion but a sense of honour and duty. Horatio refers to himself as "more an antique Roman than a Dane" (V.ii.346) (reminiscent of Brutus and Cassius).

Horatio's virtue is even more vivid in the light of Macbeth's cowardice response: "Why should I play the Roman fool, and die/On mine own sword?" (V.iii.1-2). In the final analysis, Hamlet does become a little more like his idol Horatio in his acceptance of fate and the evil inherant in all men. How to cite this article: Mabillard, Amanda. Introduction to Horatio. Shakespeare Online. 15 Aug. 2008. < > . Reference Marcus Tullius Cicero. De legibus libri. apud F. Vahlenum. 1883 ______________ Hamlet: Horatio | Character Analysis | CliffsNotes Character Analysis Bookmark this page Manage My Reading List Horatio epitomizes the faithful friend. He only questions Hamlet 's judgment once, when Hamlet confides the fates of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Otherwise, Horatio supports every rash decision Hamlet makes. Horatio is the man Hamlet wants to be. He is intelligent, but not driven by his intellectual creativity.

Horatio seems to accept the world as it is handed to him where Hamlet is driven by his impulse question all apparent truths. (What T.S. Eliot calls "the energy to murder and create" in "The Lovesong J. Alfred Prufrock," a poem in which the the title character, paralyzed by words and feelings protests, "I will not be Prince Hamlet.") Marcellus and Bernardo Marcellus and Barnardo admire Horatio's intellect enough to want his opinion about the ghost, but no one accuses Horatio of talking or thinking too much. He can follow Hamlet's elaborate wordplays, but he is not inclined to engage in any. He knows enough to value what ignorance he has that can protect him from political ruin, but neither ambition nor deceit determines his loyalties. Horatio loves Hamlet so much that he would rather impale himself on his own sword than live on after Hamlet's death. Hamlet passionately demonstrates his own deep love and admiration for Horatio in his request that Horatio tell Hamlet's story. Hamlet trusts his friend enough to leave him the task of finding the words that will divine the truth.

For Hamlet, entrusting the task to Horatio declares his love better than expressing that love through any of Hamlet's poetry or philosophy. Action has at last spoken louder than words. How are Horatio, Hamlet, Claudius, the Ghost, Laertes, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Polonius connected in Act One of Shakespeare's Hamlet? In other... | eNotes Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. (I.ii.181-186) Sarcastically, Hamlet notes that the wedding took place so soon after the funeral, that the leftover food from the funeral could well have been served to the wedding guests (though this is an exaggeration: it has been two to three months since the funeral, still a scandalously short time). However, Gertrude and Claudius urge Hamlet to put off his mourning and cheer up, but Hamlet is having none of it. So things in Hamlet's family are not going "well." Also in Act One, Laertes has asked permission of the new King to leave the castle.

As he is ready to depart, Polonius shares words of wisdom with his son (which, ironically, he is not wise enough to follow himself); Laertes also warns Ophelia about her romantic relationship with Hamlet. Laertes notes that nothing good can come of it, as Hamlet is royalty and she is not—so she should keep her distance, for Hamlet's selection of a wife is a matter of state, not of matter of love: For he himself is subject to his birth. He may not, as unvalued persons do, Carve for himself; for on his choice depends The safety and health of this whole state, And therefore must his choice be circumscribed Unto the voice and yielding of that body Whereof he is the head. (I.iii.21-27) At the same time, we can infer from this conversation that Hamlet and Ophelia have been seeing each other, though it is not until Act Two that the reader (or audience) will see them interact. Another connection between the royal family and Polonius' family is that Polonius serves the King. He is... ...an elderly and long-winded courtier and chief counselor in the Danish court.

Polonius demonstrates a propensity for hypocrisy and spying... Horatio and Hamlet are school friends. However, it is also Horatio that brings news of the appearance of a specter looking very much like Old Hamlet (Hamlet's dead father). In scenes four and five, Hamlet goes to the battlements with Horatio and others to confront the Ghost in order to see what it wants. The Ghost seems to be Hamlet's dead father. He appears to his son and commands—if Hamlet loved his father—that he avenge his murder by Claudius, something that shocks and disgusts Hamlet: GHOST: Hamlet, Act V :|: Open Source Shakespeare Second Clown . Why, 'tis found so. First Clown . It must be se offendendo; it cannot be else. For here lies the point: if I drown myself wittingly, it argues an act; and an 3355 act hath three branches-it is to act, to do, and to perform; argal, she drown'd herself wittingly. Second Clown . Nay, but hear you, Goodman Delver! First Clown . Give me leave. Here lies the water; good. Here stands the man; good.

If the man go to this water and drown himself, it is, 3360 will he nill he, he goes- mark you that. But if the water come to him and drown him, he drowns not himself. Argal, he that is not guilty of his own death shortens not his own life. Second Clown . But is this law? First Clown . Ay, marry, is't- crowner's quest law. 3365 Second Clown . Will you ha' the truth an't? If this had not been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried out o' Christian burial. First Clown . Why, there thou say'st! And the more pity that great folk should have count'nance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their even-Christian. Come, my spade! There is no 3370 ancient gentlemen but gard'ners, ditchers, and grave-makers. They hold up Adam's profession. Second Clown . Was he a gentleman? First Clown . 'A was the first that ever bore arms. Second Clown . Why, he had none. 3375 First Clown . What, art a heathen? How dost thou understand the Scripture?

The Scripture says Adam digg'd. Could he dig without arms? I'll put another question to thee. If thou answerest me not to the purpose, confess thyself- Second Clown . Go to! 3380 First Clown . What is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter? Second Clown . The gallows-maker; for that frame outlives a thousand tenants. First Clown . I like thy wit well, in good faith. The gallows does well. 3385 But how does it well? It does well to those that do ill. Now, thou dost ill to say the gallows is built stronger than the church. Argal, the gallows may do well to thee. To't again, come! Second Clown . Who builds stronger than a mason, a shipwright, or a carpenter? 3390 Hamlet . That skull had a tongue in it, and could sing once. How the knave jowls it to the ground,as if 'twere Cain's jawbone, that did the first murther!

This might be the pate of a Politician, 3420 which this ass now o'erreaches; one that would circumvent God, might it not? Horatio . It might, my lord. Hamlet . Or of a courtier, which could say 'Good morrow, sweet lord! How dost thou, good lord?' This might be my Lord Such-a-one, that 3425 prais'd my Lord Such-a-one's horse when he meant to beg it- might it not? Hamlet . Why, e'en so! and now my Lady Worm's, chapless, and knock'd about the mazzard with a sexton's spade. Here's fine revolution, 3430 and we had the trick to see't. Did these bones cost no more the breeding but to play at loggets with 'em? Mine ache to think on't. A pickaxe and a spade, a spade, 3435 For and a shrouding sheet; O, a Pit of clay for to be made For such a guest is meet. Throws up [another skull]. Hamlet . There's another. Why may not that be the skull of a lawyer?

3440 Where be his quiddits now, his quillets, his cases, his tenures, and his tricks? Why does he suffer this rude knave now to knock him about the sconce with a dirty shovel, and will not tell him of his action of battery? Hum! This fellow might be in's time a great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recognizances, his 3445 fines, his double vouchers, his recoveries. Is this the fine of his fines, and the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate full of fine dirt? Will his vouchers vouch him no more of his purchases, and double ones too, than the length and breadth of a pair of indentures? The very conveyances of his lands will 3450 scarcely lie in this box; and must th' inheritor himself have no more, ha? Horatio . Not a jot more, my lord. Hamlet . Is not parchment made of sheepskins? Horatio . Ay, my lord, And of calveskins too. 3455 Hamlet . They are sheep and calves which seek out assurance in that. I will speak to this fellow.

Whose grave's this, sirrah? [Sings] O, a pit of clay for to be made For such a guest is meet. 3460 Hamlet . I think it be thine indeed, for thou liest in't. First Clown . You lie out on't, sir, and therefore 'tis not yours. For my part, I do not lie in't, yet it is mine. Hamlet . Thou dost lie in't, to be in't and say it is thine. 'Tis for the dead, not for the quick; therefore thou liest. 3465 First Clown . 'Tis a quick lie, sir; 'twill away again from me to you. Hamlet . What man dost thou dig it for? First Clown . For none neither. 3470 Hamlet . Who is to be buried in't? First Clown . One that was a woman, sir; but, rest her soul, she's dead. Hamlet . How absolute the knave is! We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us.

By the Lord, Horatio, this three years I have taken note of it, the age is grown so picked that the toe 3475 of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier he galls his kibe.- How long hast thou been a grave-maker? First Clown . Of all the days i' th' year, I came to't that day that our last king Hamlet overcame Fortinbras. Hamlet . How long is that since? 3480 First Clown . Cannot you tell that? Every fool can tell that. It was the very day that young Hamlet was born- he that is mad, and sent into England. Hamlet . Ay, marry, why was be sent into England? First Clown . Why, because 'a was mad. 'A shall recover his wits there; 3485 or, if 'a do not, 'tis no great matter there. First Clown . 'Twill not he seen in him there. There the men are as mad as he. First Clown . Why, here in Denmark. I have been sexton here, man and boy 3495 thirty years. Hamlet .

How long will a man lie i' th' earth ere he rot? First Clown . Faith, if 'a be not rotten before 'a die (as we have many pocky corses now-a-days that will scarce hold the laying in, I will last you some eight year or nine year. A tanner will last 3500 you nine year. Hamlet . Why he more than another? First Clown . Why, sir, his hide is so tann'd with his trade that 'a will keep out water a great while; and your water is a sore decayer of your whoreson dead body. Here's a skull now. This skull hath lien 3505 you i' th' earth three-and-twenty years. Hamlet . Whose was it? First Clown . A whoreson, mad fellow's it was. Whose do you think it was? Hamlet . Nay, I know not. First Clown . A pestilence on him for a mad rogue! 'A pour'd a flagon of 3510 Rhenish on my head once. This same skull, sir, was Yorick's skull, the King's jester. Hamlet .

Let me see. [Takes the skull.] Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, 3515 Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times. And now how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kiss'd I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that 3520 were wont to set the table on a roar? Not one now, to mock your own grinning? Quite chap- fall'n? Now get you to my lady's chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come. Make her laugh at that. Prithee, Horatio, tell me one thing. 3525 Horatio . What's that, my lord? Hamlet . Dost thou think Alexander look'd o' this fashion i' th' earth? Hamlet . That is Laertes, 3555 A very noble youth. Mark. Laertes . What ceremony else? Priest .

Her obsequies have been as far enlarg'd As we have warranty. Her death was doubtful; And, but that great command o'ersways the order, 3560 She should in ground unsanctified have lodg'd Till the last trumpet. For charitable prayers, Shards, flints, and pebbles should be thrown on her. Yet here she is allow'd her virgin rites, Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home 3565 Of bell and burial. Laertes . Must there no more be done? Priest . No more be done. We should profane the service of the dead To sing a requiem and such rest to her 3570 As to peace-parted souls. Laertes . Lay her i' th' earth; And from her fair and unpolluted flesh May violets spring! I tell thee, churlish priest, A minist'ring angel shall my sister be 3575 When thou liest howling. Hamlet . What, the fair Ophelia? Gertrude . Sweets to the sweet! Farewell.

[Scatters flowers.] I hop'd thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife; 3580 I thought thy bride-bed to have deck'd, sweet maid, And not have strew'd thy grave. Laertes . O, treble woe Fall ten times treble on that cursed head Whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense 3585 Depriv'd thee of! Hold off the earth awhile, Till I have caught her once more in mine arms. [Leaps in the grave.] Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead Till of this flat a mountain you have made 3590 T' o'ertop old Pelion or the skyish head Of blue Olympus. Hamlet . So much for this, sir; now shall you see the other. 3650 You do remember all the circumstance? Horatio . Remember it, my lord! Hamlet . Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting That would not let me sleep. Methought I lay Worse than the mutinies in the bilboes.

Rashly- 3655 And prais'd be rashness for it; let us know, Our indiscretion sometime serves us well When our deep plots do pall; and that should learn us There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will- 3660 Horatio . That is most certain. Hamlet . Up from my cabin, My sea-gown scarf'd about me, in the dark Grop'd I to find out them; had my desire, Finger'd their packet, and in fine withdrew 3665 To mine own room again; making so bold (My fears forgetting manners) to unseal Their grand commission; where I found, Horatio (O royal knavery!), an exact command, Larded with many several sorts of reasons, 3670 Importing Denmark's health, and England's too, With, hoo! such bugs and goblins in my life- That, on the supervise, no leisure bated, No, not to stay the finding of the axe, My head should be struck off. 3675 Hamlet . Here's the commission; read it at more leisure. But wilt thou bear me how I did proceed?

Horatio . I beseech you. Hamlet . Being thus benetted round with villanies, 3680 Or I could make a prologue to my brains, They had begun the play. I sat me down; Devis'd a new commission; wrote it fair. I once did hold it, as our statists do, A baseness to write fair, and labour'd much 3685 How to forget that learning; but, sir, now It did me yeoman's service. Wilt thou know Th' effect of what I wrote? Horatio . Ay, good my lord. Hamlet . An earnest conjuration from the King, 3690 As England was his faithful tributary, As love between them like the palm might flourish, As peace should still her wheaten garland wear And stand a comma 'tween their amities, And many such-like as's of great charge, 3695 That, on the view and knowing of these contents, Without debatement further, more or less, He should the bearers put to sudden death, Not shriving time allow'd. Horatio . How was this seal'd? 3700 Hamlet .

Why, even in that was heaven ordinant. I had my father's signet in my purse, Which was the model of that Danish seal; Folded the writ up in the form of th' other, Subscrib'd it, gave't th' impression, plac'd it safely, 3705 The changeling never known. Now, the next day Was our sea-fight; and what to this was sequent Thou know'st already. Horatio . So Guildenstern and Rosencrantz go to't. Hamlet . Why, man, they did make love to this employment! 3710 They are not near my conscience; their defeat Does by their own insinuation grow. 'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes Between the pass and fell incensed points Of mighty opposites. 3715 Horatio . Why, what a king is this! Hamlet .

Does it not, thinks't thee, stand me now upon- He that hath kill'd my king, and whor'd my mother; Popp'd in between th' election and my hopes; Thrown out his angle for my proper life, 3720 And with such coz'nage- is't not perfect conscience To quit him with this arm? And is't not to be damn'd To let this canker of our nature come In further evil? Horatio . It must be shortly known to him from England 3725 What is the issue of the business there. Hamlet . It will be short; the interim is mine, And a man's life is no more than to say 'one.' But I am very sorry, good Horatio, That to Laertes I forgot myself, 3730 For by the image of my cause I see The portraiture of his. I'll court his favours. But sure the bravery of his grief did put me Into a tow'ring passion. Horatio . [aside to Hamlet] Is't not possible to understand in another tongue? You will do't, sir, really. 3775 Hamlet . What imports the nomination of this gentleman?

Horatio . [aside] His purse is empty already. All's golden words are spent. Hamlet . Of him, sir. 3780 Osric . I know you are not ignorant- Hamlet . I would you did, sir; yet, in faith, if you did, it would not much approve me. Well, sir? Osric . You are not ignorant of what excellence Laertes is- Hamlet . I dare not confess that, lest I should compare with him in 3785 excellence; but to know a man well were to know himself. Osric . I mean, sir, for his weapon; but in the imputation laid on him by them, in his meed he's unfellowed. Hamlet . What's his weapon? Osric . Rapier and dagger. 3790 Hamlet . That's two of his weapons- but well. Osric . The King, sir, hath wager'd with him six Barbary horses; against the which he has impon'd, as I take it, six French rapiers and poniards, with their assigns, as girdle, hangers, and so.

Three of the carriages, in faith, are very dear to fancy, 3795 very responsive to the hilts, most delicate carriages, and of very liberal conceit. And you must needs have heard, how I am punish'd With sore distraction. What I have done That might your nature, honour, and exception Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness. Was't Hamlet wrong'd Laertes? Never Hamlet. 3870 If Hamlet from himself be taken away, And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes, Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it. Who does it, then? His madness. If't be so, Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd; 3875 His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy. Sir, in this audience, Let my disclaiming from a purpos'd evil Free me so far in your most generous thoughts That I have shot my arrow o'er the house 3880 And hurt my brother. Laertes . I am satisfied in nature, Whose motive in this case should stir me most To my revenge.

But in my terms of honour I stand aloof, and will no reconcilement 3885 Till by some elder masters of known honour I have a voice and precedent of peace To keep my name ungor'd. But till that time I do receive your offer'd love like love, And will not wrong it. 3890 Hamlet . I embrace it freely, And will this brother's wager frankly play. Give us the foils. Come on. Laertes . Come, one for me. Hamlet . I'll be your foil, Laertes. In mine ignorance 3895 Your skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night, Stick fiery off indeed. Laertes . You mock me, sir. Hamlet . No, by this hand. Claudius . Give them the foils, young Osric. Cousin Hamlet, 3900 You know the wager? Osric . Ay, my good lord. Claudius . Set me the stoups of wine upon that table.

3910 If Hamlet give the first or second hit, Or quit in answer of the third exchange, Let all the battlements their ordnance fire; The King shall drink to Hamlet's better breath, And in the cup an union shall he throw 3915 Richer than that which four successive kings In Denmark's crown have worn. Give me the cups; And let the kettle to the trumpet speak, The trumpet to the cannoneer without, The cannons to the heavens, the heaven to earth, 3920 'Now the King drinks to Hamlet.' Come, begin. And you the judges, bear a wary eye. Hamlet . Come on, sir. Claudius . Stay, give me drink. Hamlet, this pearl is thine; 3930 Here's to thy health. [Drum; trumpets sound; a piece goes off [within].] Give him the cup. Hamlet . I'll play this bout first; set it by awhile. Come. [They play.] Another hit. What say you? 3935 Laertes . A touch, a touch; I do confess't. Claudius . Our son shall win. Gertrude .

He's fat, and scant of breath. Here, Hamlet, take my napkin, rub thy brows. The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet. 3940 Claudius . Gertrude, do not drink. Gertrude . I will, my lord; I pray you pardon me. Drinks. Claudius . [aside] It is the poison'd cup; it is too late. Hamlet . I dare not drink yet, madam; by-and-by. 3945 Gertrude . Come, let me wipe thy face. Laertes . My lord, I'll hit him now. Claudius . I do not think't. Laertes . [aside] And yet it is almost against my conscience. Hamlet . Come for the third, Laertes! You but dally. 3950 Pray you pass with your best violence; I am afeard you make a wanton of me. Laertes . Say you so? Come on. Play. Osric . Nothing neither way. Laertes . It is here, Hamlet. Hamlet, thou art slain; 3970 No medicine in the world can do thee good.

In thee there is not half an hour of life. The treacherous instrument is in thy hand, Unbated and envenom'd. The foul practice Hath turn'd itself on me. Lo, here I lie, 3975 Never to rise again. Thy mother's poison'd. I can no more. The King, the King's to blame. Hamlet . The point envenom'd too? Then, venom, to thy work. Hurts the King. All . Treason! treason! 3980 Claudius . O, yet defend me, friends! I am but hurt. Hamlet . Here, thou incestuous, murd'rous, damned Dane, Drink off this potion! Is thy union here? Follow my mother. King dies. Laertes . He is justly serv'd. 3985 It is a poison temper'd by himself. Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. Mine and my father's death come not upon thee, Nor thine on me! Dies. Hamlet . Heaven make thee free of it! I follow thee. 3990 I am dead, Horatio. Wretched queen, adieu!

You that look pale and tremble at this chance, That are but mutes or audience to this act, Had I but time (as this fell sergeant, Death, Is strict in his arrest) O, I could tell you- 3995 But let it be. Horatio, I am dead; Thou liv'st; report me and my cause aright To the unsatisfied. I am more an antique Roman than a Dane. 4000 Here's yet some liquor left. Hamlet . As th'art a man, Give me the cup. Let go! By heaven, I'll ha't. O good Horatio, what a wounded name (Things standing thus unknown) shall live behind me! 4005 If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, Absent thee from felicity awhile, And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain, To tell my story. [March afar off, and shot within.] What warlike noise is this? 4010 Osric . Young Fortinbras, with conquest come from Poland, To the ambassadors of England gives This warlike volley. Hamlet . O, I die, Horatio! The potent poison quite o'ercrows my spirit.

4015 I cannot live to hear the news from England, But I do prophesy th' election lights On Fortinbras. He has my dying voice. So tell him, with th' occurrents, more and less, Which have solicited- the rest is silence. Dies. 4020 Horatio . Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest! [March within.] Why does the drum come hither? Enter Fortinbras and English Ambassadors, with Drum, Colours, and Attendants. 4025 Fortinbras . Where is this sight? Horatio . What is it you will see? If aught of woe or wonder, cease your search. Fortinbras . This quarry cries on havoc. O proud Death, What feast is toward in thine eternal cell 4030 That thou so many princes at a shot So bloodily hast struck. Ambassador . The sight is dismal; And our affairs from England come too late. The ears are senseless that should give us hearing 4035 To tell him his commandment is fulfill'd That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead.

Where should we have our thanks? Horatio . Not from his mouth, Had it th' ability of life to thank you. 4040 He never gave commandment for their death. But since, so jump upon this bloody question, You from the Polack wars, and you from England, Are here arriv'd, give order that these bodies High on a stage be placed to the view; 4045 And let me speak to the yet unknowing world How these things came about. So shall you hear Of carnal, bloody and unnatural acts; Of accidental judgments, casual slaughters; Of deaths put on by cunning and forc'd cause; 4050 And, in this upshot, purposes mistook Fall'n on th' inventors' heads. All this can I Truly deliver. Fortinbras . Let us haste to hear it, And call the noblest to the audience. 4055 For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune. I have some rights of memory in this kingdom Which now, to claim my vantage doth invite me. Horatio . Of that I shall have also cause to speak, And from his mouth whose voice will draw on more.

4060 But let this same be presently perform'd, Even while men's minds are wild, lest more mischance On plots and errors happen. Fortinbras . Let four captains Bear Hamlet like a soldier to the stage; 4065 For he was likely, had he been put on, To have prov'd most royally; and for his passage The soldiers' music and the rites of war Speak loudly for him. The character of Gertrude in Hamlet from LitCharts | The creators of SparkNotes Polonius Hamlet's mother. After Hamlet's father dies, Gertrude quickly marries Hamlet's uncle, Claudius. Though she is a good woman and loving mother, she is weak-willed and unable to control her personal passions. Whether because of lust, love, or a desire to maintain her status as queen, she marries Claudius, though this is clearly a breach of proper morals. Though some critics have argued that Gertrude might have been involved in Claudius's plot to kill Old Hamlet, evidence in the text suggests that she is unaware of and uninvolved in the plot.

Gertrude Quotes in Hamlet The Hamlet quotes below are all either spoken by Gertrude or refer to Gertrude. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one: ). Note: all page and citation info for the quotes below refers to the Simon & Schuster edition of Hamlet published in 1992. Act 1, scene 2 Quotes Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not "seems." Related Characters: Hamlet (speaker), Gertrude Related Themes: Download it! Gertrude Character Timeline in Hamlet The timeline below shows where the character Gertrude appears in Hamlet. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Act 1, scene 2 ...the dead king, holds court. He uses pretty language to make his recent marriage to Gertrude, his brother's widow, sound perfectly normal. He says it is possible to balance "woe" and... (full context) Next, Claudius turns to Hamlet, and asks why he is still dressed in mourning clothes.

Gertrude wonders why he "seems" so upset. Hamlet says he "is" upset, and that his clothes... (full context) Gertrude seconds the request. Hamlet promises to obey his mother. (full context) ...and uncle. He says Claudius is far inferior to Old Hamlet, and, in anguish, describes Gertrude as a lustful beast. (full context) ...Horatio at Wittenberg, is happy to see his friend, and pleased when Horatio agrees that Gertrude and Claudius's marriage was hasty. (full context) Act 1, scene 5 The Ghost commands Hamlet to seek revenge against Claudius for murder and for corrupting Gertrude. Yet the Ghost also warns Hamlet not to harm his mother. Dawn breaks. The Ghost... (full context) Hamlet promises to do nothing but seek revenge. He curses first Gertrude, "O most pernicious woman!" (1.5.105), then Claudius, "That one may smile, and smile, and be...

(full context) Act 2, scene 2 Claudius and Gertrude greet Hamlet's old friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, whom they summoned to Elsinore to figure out... (full context) ...the ambassadors have returned from Norway. He goes to get them. While Polonius is gone, Gertrude remarks that Hamlet's mania probably comes from his father's death and her too-hasty marriage to... (full context) ...long-winded ramble about Hamlet's madness, Polonius reads love letters Hamlet sent to Ophelia. Claudius and Gertrude agree that lovesickness may be causing Hamlet's behavior. Polonius proposes that they stage a meeting... (full context) Act 3, scene 1 Rosencrantz and Guildenstern can't figure out what's behind Hamlet's odd behavior, but tell Claudius and Gertrude that he was excited by the arrival of the players. The King and Queen, hopeful... (full context) ...Hamlet loves Ophelia. He requests that after the play Hamlet be sent to talk with Gertrude, where Polonius will once again spy.

(full context) Act 3, scene 2 Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Ophelia, and others arrive to watch the play. Hamlet tells Horatio he's now going... (full context) ...attempts to act at university, harasses Ophelia with sexual puns, then makes bitter remarks about Gertrude for marrying Claudius. (full context) ...about). The players then begin to act the full play. As the plot becomes clear, Gertrude and Claudius become uncomfortable. Hamlet mocks them, while continuing to launch sexual puns at Ophelia.... (full context) Polonius enters, repeating Gertrude's request to see him. Hamlet pretends to see odd shapes in a non-existent cloud. Polonius... (full context) Act 3, scene 3 Polonius enters with news: Hamlet is headed to Gertrude's room, where Polonius will hide behind a tapestry. (full context) ...he possesses the spoils of the murder, neither of which he wants to give up: Gertrude and the throne. Yet he kneels to pray.

(full context) Act 3, scene 4 Polonius and Gertrude wait for Hamlet in Gertrude's chamber. Polonius advises her to be tough with Hamlet. Just... (full context) Hamlet enters. Gertrude says he has offended his father (i.e. Claudius). Hamlet says that she's offended his father... (full context) Gertrude shouts, "What a rash and bloody deed!" (3.4.27). Hamlet responds, "As bad… as kill a... (full context) Hamlet forces Gertrude to look at a picture of his father and compare it to one of Claudius,... (full context) ...order, it says, to refocus Hamlet on his duty—revenge against Claudius. Hamlet speaks to it. Gertrude can't see the ghost and thinks Hamlet's mad. The Ghost tells Hamlet to calm her. (full context) Hamlet tries to convince Gertrude that he's sane, and begs her to confess her sins, to be pure and avoid... (full context) Act 4, scene 1 Claudius sees that Gertrude is upset.

She says Hamlet was acting insane, and in his madness killed Polonius. (full context) Act 4, scene 5 Gertrude and Horatio sadly discuss the madness that has taken over Ophelia since Polonius was killed.... (full context) Gertrude exclaims that the mob and Laertes are blaming the wrong person for the death of... (full context) ...to get revenge for the death of his father. Claudius admits that Polonius is dead. Gertrude adds that Claudius did not kill him. (full context) ...and handing out flowers (perhaps imaginary): rosemary and pansies to Laertes; fennel and columbines to Gertrude; rue and daisies to Claudius. Laertes demands vengeance for her madness. Ophelia exits, wishing God's... (full context) Act 4, scene 7 ...Laertes asks why Claudius didn't punish Hamlet for killing Polonius. Claudius answers: First, he loves Gertrude and she's Hamlet's mother; second, Hamlet is loved by the people, so punishing him might... (full context) Gertrude rushes in with news that Ophelia has drowned.

While gathering flowers she fell into the... (full context) Laertes, weeping, exits. Claudius fears Ophelia's death might reignite Laertes anger and rebellion. He and Gertrude follow Laertes to calm him down. (full context) Act 5, scene 1 Hamlet and Horatio hear a noise and hide. Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, a priest, and other lords enter in a funeral procession with a coffin. The... (full context) Act 5, scene 2 Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, and the entire court enter to watch the duel. Hamlet apologizes to Laertes. Laertes... (full context) Hamlet scores the second hit. Gertrude lifts the poisoned cup to drink in Hamlet's honor. Claudius tries to stop her, but... (full context) Gertrude falls. Claudius claims Gertrude fainted because she saw Hamlet and Laertes bleeding, but Gertrude says... (full context) Cite This Page

Question: In which Shakespeare play would you find the characters Gertrude, Laertes and Horatio?
Answer: HAMLET