Plot and Setting
Hamlet is set at the royal court of Denmark. These 10 questions cover the basic shape of the play’s plot.
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Keep the central chain of events straight: the ghost’s revelation, Hamlet’s delay, and the deaths that follow from it.
All 10 flashcards
Who wrote Hamlet, and roughly when?
William Shakespeare, around 1600–1601.
One of his most famous tragedies.
In what country is Hamlet set?
Denmark, at the royal court in Elsinore.
Elsinore is based on the real Kronborg Castle.
Who has recently died before the play begins?
Hamlet’s father, the King of Denmark (also named Hamlet).
His death is the event that sets the whole plot in motion.
Who has become king after the old king’s death, and married the widowed queen?
Claudius, the king’s brother (Hamlet’s uncle).
He marries Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother.
What appears to Hamlet early in the play, claiming to be his father’s spirit?
A ghost.
It tells Hamlet he was murdered and demands revenge.
Who does the ghost claim murdered the old king?
Claudius.
The ghost says Claudius poured poison in his ear while he slept.
What behavior does Hamlet adopt after speaking with the ghost?
He pretends to be mad ("puts on an antic disposition").
This lets him investigate without revealing his true intentions.
What device does Hamlet use to test whether Claudius is truly guilty?
A play within the play ("The Mousetrap"), re-enacting the murder.
Claudius’ reaction to watching it convinces Hamlet of his guilt.
Who does Hamlet accidentally kill while hiding behind a curtain?
Polonius, an advisor to the king.
Hamlet mistakes him for Claudius.
How does the play end?
In a duel where nearly all the main characters die, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude and Laertes.
Hamlet finally kills Claudius just before dying himself from a poisoned blade.
What to learn next
Next: Level 2, "Characters" — a closer look at Hamlet and the people around him.
Continue to Level 2: Characters →