HamletAn Introduction

Hamlet• Prince of Denmark• Was away at college, came home• Dad (King Hamlet) is dead• Depressed about dad’s death• Uncle Claudius is now king• Mom, Gertrude, remarried to

Claudius• Mad at mom and uncle• Eye on Ophelia

Ophelia• Crush on Hamlet• Noble family• Daughter of Polonius, the king’s

advisor• Sister of Laertes• Considered potential match for

Prince Hamlet by society

Polonius• King’s advisor• Dad of Ophelia and Laertes• Always giving “advice” … usually

wrong• An old, meddling gossiper• Wants Ophelia and Hamlet to get

married

Gertrude• Hamlet’s mom• Widow of dead King Hamlet• Remarried to Claudius, her

brother-in-law and current king• Worried about Hamlet’s

depression• Doesn’t seem very sad about

husband’s death

Claudius• Brother to former king (who is now

dead)• Has taken over the thrown• Married Gertrude, his widowed

sister-in-law• Now Hamlet’s step-dad• Doesn’t seem very sad about his

brother’s death

Horatio• Hamlet’s best friend• Goes to college with Hamlet

Laertes• Brother to Ophelia• Son of Polonius• Not sure he wants his sister dating

Hamlet

Dead king Hamlet• Haunts castle grounds• Was a really good husband and

father while alive• Trying to send a message to son

Tragedy• Tragic hero (Hamlet) has an inner flaw (hamartia)• This inner flaw leads to his downfall (and the downfall of others)• Events of story cause audience to have a vicarious emotional

cleansing (catharsis)• Catharsis occurs after the audience witnesses a spectacle (a

monstrous event)

Setting• Royal palace in Elsinore, Denmark• 14th or 15th Century

Themes to look for• Revenge is a dangerous task.• Indecisiveness is as destructive as making the wrong decision.• Lies beget more lies.

Justice• Who is responsible for ensuring justice?• Is finding justice always worth it?• To what degree are we responsible for our impact on others?• Who is the ultimate measurer of injustice?