'Hamlet' Summary

Hamlet, the young prince of Denmark, returns home from university to find his father dead and his mother remarried to his uncle, Claudius. Hamlet is deeply depressed and troubled by his father's death, and he begins to suspect that Claudius is responsible. One night, Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, who confirms Hamlet's suspicions and asks him to avenge his murder. Hamlet is torn between his desire for revenge and his fear of the consequences of killing Claudius. He also struggles with his own sanity, as he begins to see visions and talk to himself. As Hamlet contemplates his options, he delays taking action, much to the frustration of his friends and family. Meanwhile, Claudius and Gertrude grow increasingly suspicious of Hamlet's behavior, fearing that he may be a threat to their power. In a climactic scene, Hamlet finally confronts Claudius, killing him in a duel. However, Hamlet is also killed, along with Gertrude and Ophelia, Claudius's daughter, whom Hamlet loved. The play ends with the arrival of Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, who assumes the Danish throne and restores order to the kingdom.