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'''''Hamlet''''' is a Jacobean revenge [[tragedy]] about the Danish Prince Hamlet. Written between 1599-1601, it is perhaps [[William Shakespeare]]'s most famous play, and possibly one of the most famous works written in the English language, being the subject of more essays than any other work. The tale heavily features the themes procrastination, deterioration, incest, [[revenge]], [[madness]], [[homicide]], and [[suicide]].

'''''Hamlet''''' is a Jacobean revenge [[tragedy]] about the Danish Prince Hamlet. Written between 1599-1601, it is perhaps [[William Shakespeare]]'s most famous play, and possibly one of the most famous works written in the English language, being the subject of more essays than any other work. There is some dispute as to Hamlet's origin, with it perhaps being an adaptation of earlier Latin, or Italian, or Germanic tales, including ''"Hamleth"'', or perhaps the alleged ''"Ur-Hamlet"''. The tale heavily features the themes procrastination, deterioration, incest, [[revenge]], [[madness]], [[homicide]], and [[suicide]].  

==Characters==

==Characters==

On the day of the duel, Claudius plots with Laertes to rig the fight. He provides Laertes with a poisoned foil, and places more poison in Hamlet's drink. The two men begin to duel. Hamlet proves to be the superior swordsman, but is eventually slashed by Laertes in between boughts. Hamlet loses his temper and scuffles with Laertes. The two swords are swapped in the confusion, and Hamlet pierces Laertes with the poison blade. Gertrude, to Claudius's horror, drinks from Hamlet's goblet, and is poisoned. Laertes, now dying, reveals Claudius' scheme. Gertrude dies. Hamlet flies into a rage, stabs claudius, and forces him to drink the last of the poison. Claudius dies. Hamlet dies from his wound. Horatio is the only one left. Fortinbras and his invasion force enter the court and see a pile of bodies before them. A messenger proclaims that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Fortinbras proclaims himself ruler, offering a possible glimmer of future stability.

On the day of the duel, Claudius plots with Laertes to rig the fight. He provides Laertes with a poisoned foil, and places more poison in Hamlet's drink. The two men begin to duel. Hamlet proves to be the superior swordsman, but is eventually slashed by Laertes in between boughts. Hamlet loses his temper and scuffles with Laertes. The two swords are swapped in the confusion, and Hamlet pierces Laertes with the poison blade. Gertrude, to Claudius's horror, drinks from Hamlet's goblet, and is poisoned. Laertes, now dying, reveals Claudius' scheme. Gertrude dies. Hamlet flies into a rage, stabs claudius, and forces him to drink the last of the poison. Claudius dies. Hamlet dies from his wound. Horatio is the only one left. Fortinbras and his invasion force enter the court and see a pile of bodies before them. A messenger proclaims that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Fortinbras proclaims himself ruler, offering a possible glimmer of future stability.

Major film versions of the play have starred [[Laurence Olivier]], [[Mel Gibson]], and [[Kenneth Branagh]]. (While both Olivier and Branagh directed and starred in their versions, [[Franco Zeffirelli]] directed the one with Gibson.)

Major film versions of the play have starred [[Laurence Olivier]], [[Mel Gibson]], and [[Kenneth Branagh]]. (While both Olivier and Branagh directed and starred in their versions, [[Franco Zeffirelli]] directed the one with Gibson.)