Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Summary and Themes
Hamlet is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, first published or performed around c.1600. This study guide gives a summary, themes and revision tips.
Summary
Prince Hamlet seeks revenge on his uncle Claudius, who murdered his father and seized the throne of Denmark.
Key Themes
The main themes are revenge, madness, mortality and indecision.
Quick Facts
| Title | Hamlet |
|---|---|
| Author | William Shakespeare |
| Date | c.1600 |
| Form | tragedy |
Study Questions
- How does William Shakespeare present the theme of revenge?
- Which characters or images best express the central ideas of Hamlet?
- How does the tragedy form shape the reader's response?