Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
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By: William Shakespeare
The core of the ground-breaking, three text edition, this self-contained, free-standing volume gives readers the Second Quarto text (1604-5) and includes in its Introduction, notes and Appendices all the reader might expect to find in any standard Arden edition. As well as a full, illustrated Introduction to the play's historical, cultural and performance contexts and a thorough survey of critical approaches to the play, an appendix contains the additional passages found only in the 1623 text. "The new Arden Hamlet is a pathbreaking edition, one that promises to change irrevocably our understanding of Shakespeare's greatest play." - Professor James Shapiro, author of 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare
AI Overview
Plot Summary: "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that revolves around Prince Hamlet's quest for justice and truth after his father's death. Here is a comprehensive overview of the plot:
Introduction:
- The play begins with the death of King Hamlet, who is murdered by his brother Claudius. Claudius marries King Hamlet's widow, Queen Gertrude, and becomes the new King of Denmark.
Hamlet's Reaction:
- Prince Hamlet is deeply disturbed by his father's death and his mother's quick remarriage to Claudius. He is further unsettled by the appearance of his father's ghost, who reveals that he was murdered by Claudius and demands that Hamlet avenges his death.
Hamlet's Investigation:
- Hamlet decides to investigate the truth behind his father's death. He pretends to be mad to distract attention while he gathers evidence. He also uses a play that reenacts the murder to gauge Claudius's guilt, which clearly unnerves Claudius.
Confrontation with Claudius:
- Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius, who was hiding behind a curtain, believing him to be Claudius. This act leads to further complications and misunderstandings.
Exile and Betrayal:
- Claudius sends Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, intending for Hamlet to be executed. However, Hamlet alters the orders so that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are to be executed instead.
Final Confrontation:
- Laertes, Polonius's son, returns to Denmark and conspires with Claudius to kill Hamlet. Laertes wounds Hamlet with a poisoned sword, but Hamlet wounds Laertes with the same sword. Gertrude drinks a poisoned cup of wine meant for Hamlet and dies. In the chaos, Hamlet kills Claudius and Laertes, and ultimately dies himself from the poison.
Conclusion:
- The play ends with Fortinbras, the Norwegian prince, taking over Denmark and ordering a military funeral for Hamlet. Horatio survives and promises to tell the story of what happened.
Key Themes:
- Revenge Tragedy: The play explores the theme of revenge and its consequences. Hamlet's quest for justice leads to a cycle of violence and ultimately to his own downfall.
- Appearance vs. Reality: Characters often hide behind masks of sanity or madness, highlighting the theme of appearance vs. reality. Hamlet's feigned madness is a prime example.
- Mortality and the Human Condition: The play delves into the human experience of mortality, exploring how characters confront death and the meaning of life.
- Corruption and Power: The play critiques the abuse of power and corruption, particularly through the characters of Claudius and Polonius.
Critical Reception: "Hamlet" is widely regarded as one of Shakespeare's greatest works and a cornerstone of Western literature. It has been extensively analyzed and interpreted by scholars and critics over the centuries. The play's complex characters, philosophical themes, and dramatic structure have made it a subject of continuous study and performance.
- Historical Context: Written around 1599-1602, "Hamlet" reflects the cultural and political climate of Elizabethan England, including the tensions between Denmark and Norway and the complexities of royal succession.
- Performance History: The play has been performed countless times since its premiere, with notable adaptations and interpretations by various actors and directors. It continues to be a staple of theatrical productions worldwide.
In summary, "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark" is a rich and complex tragedy that explores themes of revenge, appearance vs. reality, mortality, and corruption, set against the backdrop of a royal family's tragic downfall. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim make it a timeless masterpiece of literature.