The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark

Shakespeare wrote Hamlet around the years 1599 to 1601. The basic story is old. A writer named Saxo Grammaticus told a similar story about a prince named Amleth in the 13th century. Some people believe that Shakespeare used another play, now lost. Shakespeare often took plots from previous plays and stories. The play is about Prince Hamlet from Denmark. He s sad because his father, King Hamlet, died and his mother, Queen Gertrude, married his uncle very quickly, Claudius. A ghost, looking like Hamlets father, tells Hamlet that Claudius killed him. Hamlet then tries to decide how to get revenge. The play is about madness, trust, death, and not knowing what to do. It is a real tragedy because many people in the play die, including Hamlet. The play was performed in theatres and for the royal court. Many actors wanted to play the role of Hamlet. The play became very famous and is still loved today.