Hamlet

Horatio Confirms a Ghost Sighting

Feb 14, 600

Horatio, a good friend of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, confirms that there is a ghost on the battlements of the Elsinore castle in Denmark. The ghost looks very much like the deceased king, Old Hamlet. This is believed to be a bad omen before their impending war with Norway.

Claudius and Gertrude Marry

Feb 15, 600

Gertrude is the widow of the former king, Old Hamlet. His brother, Claudius, marries Gertrude in the wake of his death. Hamlet, crestfallen by his father's death, mourns by wearing black around the castle, but is told by his mother and new step-father that everyone dies at some point and he needs to calm down. While he laments further, Horatio tells him about the ghost.

Hamlet Sees His Father's Ghost

Feb 15, 600

Hamlet talks to the ghost on the battlements, who claims to be his father's spirit. The ghost tells him that Hamlet's father was murdered by Claudius, who poured poison in his ear. In addition, the King's ghost tells Hamlet to "remember" him by seeking revenge on Claudius. Hamlet comes up with a plan, but needs time to discover if the ghost told the truth.

Hamlet's "Crazy" Act Begins

Feb 18, 600

Ophelia, a friend and lover of Hamlet's, claims that Hamlet is crazy, saying he showed up in her room disheveled and out of sorts. Polonius and King Claudius decide to spy on Hamlet to figure out what's wrong. Polonius' thoughts about Hamlet's insanity are confirmed when the Prince "mocks" him and puts on an antic.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Arrive

Feb 21, 600

Two of Hamlet's childhood friends come to town, commanded by the King and Queen to discover what is wrong with Hamlet. They cannot find the source of it, but Gertrude hopes the reason is Ophelia's beauty. It is around this time that Hamlet gives his "To be or not to be" speech, questioning how valid suicide is.

Hamlet Organizes a Play

Feb 22, 600

To see if the ghost was telling the truth, Hamlet organizes a play called "The Murder of Gonzago" (also called "The Mousetrap"). In this story, the king is murdered the same way that Claudius supposedly murdered Hamlet's father-- by poison to the ear. At this point in the play, Hamlet and Horatio notice Claudius' sharp reaction to the murdering, which convinces them that he is indeed responsible. Hamlet later goes to stab Claudius, but cannot bring himself to kill him while he prays.

Hamlet Kills Polonius

Feb 23, 600

Polonius tells Gertrude to set up a meeting with Hamlet to find out what's wrong, while he listens behind a curtain. Hamlet enters and rants about her quick marriage to Claudius. Becoming fearful, she cries out, and Polonius responds. Believing him to be Claudius, Hamlet kills Polonius.

Hamlet Departs for England

Feb 24, 600

After Gertrude explains what happened and informs Claudius that Hamlet is indeed crazy, Claudius sends Hamlet to England with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Later, on the way over, Hamlet intercepts a letter that R&G are carrying, which has orders to kill Hamlet. He rewrites it to have R&G killed, then escapes back to Denmark on a pirate ship to kill Claudius. Hamlet also notices King Fortinbras of Norway marching to meet the Danes in battle.

Plot to Kill Hamlet

Feb 26, 600

Laertes, the son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia, returns to Denmark to avenge the death of his father. Enraged by the sight of Ophelia, who has gone crazy, he determines to kill Hamlet. Claudius works with him to arrange a "friendly" duel with Hamlet, where Laertes' sword will be sharpened and have poison. Poison wine will also be employed if needed.

Ophelia Commits Suicide

Mar 1, 600

In the course of the next several days, it is discovered that Ophelia committed suicide, according to Gertrude. A poor burial is held, since suicide was considered a terrible sin. Hamlet, who has returned home, is in the graveyard with skulls, when he sees the burial take place. He and Laertes argue over who loved Ophelia the most.

Gertrude Dies

Mar 2, 600

During the duel, Gerturde ends up being the one who drinks the poison wine. As a result, she dies in the middle of the duel.

Hamlet and Laertes Are Mortally Wounded

Mar 2, 600

Laertes cuts Hamlet with the poison sword, but is wounded as well when Hamlet gets his sword.

Claudius is Killed

Mar 2, 600

Before his death, Laertes yells that it was Claudius' fault for the duel and murdering of Old Hamlet. Hamlet takes the poison sword, and stabs Claudius, then tells him to drink the poisoned wine. Both combine to kill the King.

Hamlet Dies

Mar 2, 600

Before his death, Hamlet instructs Horatio to tell his story to everyone. Hamlet then dies of the wounds and poison.

Fortinbras Takes the Throne

Mar 2, 600

Fortinbras, the King of Norway, enters as the rest of the characters are dying, and takes the throne of Denmark. He and Horatio decide to put the dead bodies on a "stage" to tell the story.