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Shakespeare - Hamlet Essay examples

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Summary:

A mystery ghost has been roaming around the Elsinore Castle in Denmark, for the past few nights, as the castles guards have reported many sightings. Horatio, friend of Hamlet, arrives and is discussing the sightings when suddenly the ghost appears. The ghost refuses to speak to Horatio, who is becoming sceptical of the appearance, stating that it may be a bad omen of things the come. Horatio reveals that it is the ghost the Old Hamlet, former King of Denmark, who died but a few months ago, and has been succeeded by his brother Claudius (now King). After another appearance Horatio and the guards decide to tell Prince Hamlet about the sittings of the ghost, who returns again the next night. Hamlet confronts the ghost, who …show more content…

In doing this, Hamlet will watch Claudius' reaction throughout the play to determine whether or not he is guilty.

Claudius and Polonius continue to seek the reason for Hamlet's madness, as they again watch an encounter between Ophelia and Hamlet. The King, not convinced, begins to suspect ulterior motives for Hamlet's madness and decides to send Hamlet to England for the safety of everyone. Hamlet continues with his plan by instructing the players on the basis of the play, to assure that the plan goes accordingly. The stage has been set and everyone arrives at the theatre, and as the play begins Hamlet and Horatio watch Claudius for any suspicious behaviour. As the murder scene of the play arrives, Claudius jumps from his seat, calls for the lights and departs. Hamlet and Horatio, decide the behaviour indicates guilt and revenge must be taken. Frightened by the play, Gertrude sends for Hamlet to meet her, however on the way Hamlet stumbles across a kneeling Claudius who is praying to God. Hamlet contemplates whether or not to kill him, and finally decides by killing Claudius while he is praying will send him to heaven, thus Hamlet decides revenge will be taken at a more appropriate time. Hamlet visits his mother, but during the discussion hears a rustling behind the tapestry and stabs at it. Polonius, who was spying on Hamlet, is killed. In a rage, Hamlet curses the dying man for being a

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