The late King's ghost appears in the castle, and complains that he is unable to rest in peace as he was murdered. The Ghost describes the event of Claudius pouring poison into the late King's ear whilst he was sleeping. Hamlet desires to avenge his father's death.
In order to test this theory, Hamlet employs a group of players to perform a play called 'The Mousetrap', and has requested his loyal friend, Horatio to observe Claudius' behavior during the performance. The ploy proves successful, as Claudius leaves the room in a state of fluster. Hamlet, now convinced that Claudius murdered his father, swears to kill him.
Hamlet spies on Gertrude in her chamber, and assumes Claudius is the voice he can hear her talking to. In rage, Hamlet thrusts his dagger through a curtain in the hope of killing Claudius. However unfortunately he kills the poor unseen Polonius. Claudius punishes Hamlet for Polonius' death, and banishes him to England. Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, and beloved of Hamlet is distraught by her father's death and Hamlet's behaviour, and thus drowns herself. Ophelia's brother, Laertes falls next.
Laertes had come to Elsinore to avenge his father's death, however during this time witnesses Ophelia's mad, melancholic state. After her funeral, where Laertes and Hamlet argue over whom loved Ophelia more, Laertes vows to punish Hamlet for her death.
Laertes alongside Claudius plots to kill Hamlet. Laertes battles Hamlet in a sword fight, however Laertes has had his sword poisoned. At one point during the fight he drops the poisoned sword, and Hamlet unknowingly retrieves the sword and cuts Laertes. The lethal poison kills Laertes, however before Laertes dies he tells Hamlet that he too will shortly die as he has been cut with the same sword.
Gertrude believing that Hamlet is winning the fight makes a toast, and drinks from the poisoned cup that Claudius had intended for Hamlet. As a result the Queen dies.
As Laertes lies dying, he admits to Hamlet his part in the scheme and explains Gertrude's death. In fury, Hamlet stabs Claudius with the poisoned sword and forces the poisoned wine down his throat, hence forth Claudius dies. At the end, Hamlet is unable to cope with what has just witnessed, and drinks from the poisoned cup. Before Hamlet dies he declares that the throne should pass to Prince Fortinbras of Norway.
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