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Hamlet . By William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare . Although Shakespeare is one of the most famous and renowned writers of all time, very little is actually known about him He was baptized on April 26, 1564 In 1582 – when he was 18 – he married Anne Hathaway who was 26 at the time.
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Hamlet By William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare • Although Shakespeare is one of the most famous and renowned writers of all time, very little is actually known about him • He was baptized on April 26, 1564 • In 1582 – when he was 18 – he married Anne Hathaway who was 26 at the time
Shakespeare Continued • He grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England but moved to London only 4 years after he was married in an attempt to make it as a writer • By 1595 he was well-known in London and worked in the acting company, Lord Chamberlain’s Men (all actors back then were men) • This acting company often performed for royalty and was later known as the King’s Men
Hamlet • Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays • Disney’s The Lion King is modeled after Hamlet
Hamlet • Hamlet is the prince of Denmark • Most of the action in the play takes place in and around the castle at Elsinore in Denmark • Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet, is already dead when the play begins
Hamlet • The prince of Denmark and a college student • At the beginning of the play, his father, King Hamlet has recently died • Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, has married Hamlet’s Uncle Claudius • Hamlet is grieving for his father, angry with his uncle, and disgusted with his mother
Characters Gertrude Claudius • The queen, and Hamlet’s mother • We never see her on her own, so we really only know how Hamlet feels about her • She seems to genuinely love and care for Hamlet • Now the King of Denmark • A calculating and ambitious politician • The villain of the play • He is quick to understand that Hamlet is a threat to him
Characters Polonius Ophelia • A member of the king’s council • Father of Ophelia and Laertes • He means well, but is sometimes underhanded • His speeches are usually long and boring • Hamlet’s love interest • She is described as sweet and innocent • Throughout the play she tries to obey both her father and her brother
Characters Laertes Horatio • Polonius’s son • He does not appear much in the play because he is in France • He acts as a counterpart to Hamlet • Hamlet’s only real friend • Hamlet trusts him completely • He spends the play acting as the voice of reason
Characters Fortinbras Young Fortinbras • Formerly the king of Norway until King Hamlet killed him in battle • The prince of Norway • He wishes to avenge his father’s death and reclaim what he believes is rightfully his