Background/Introduction Hamlet Background/Introduction

Historical Background Written in 1602 One of the earliest tragedies, so lighter in violence than Macbeth More of a psychological tragedy One of Shakespeare’s longest plays A complicated cast of characters

“To Be or Not to Be?” Parodies of the famous speech: Alas, poor Yorick…

Setting: Denmark Elsinore = Hamlet’s castle Kronberg Castle – actual name

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark His father (Hamlet, Sr.) has been dead two months He is home from the university in Germany Battles depression & anger issues Hamlet’s is somewhere between 16-30 yrs old. Kenneth Branagh, 1996 film

Claudius Hamlet’s uncle King after his brother’s death Married to Gertrude

Gertrude Hamlet’s mother Married his uncle only one month after Hamlet senior’s death. Hamlet is very angry at her for this

Polonius Father of Ophelia and Laertes Chamberlain to the King Talkative blow-hard, nosy

Ophelia Daughter of Polonius Sister of Laertes Hamlet wrote her love letters before. She is smitten with him. Kate Winslet

Laertes Ophelia’s brother Does not want her involved with Hamlet Foil for Hamlet in many ways

Horatio Hamlet’s best friend From Denmark Also attended college with him in Germany

Rosencratz and Guildenstern Childhood friends of Hamlet Summoned to court by the King Totally overwhelmed by the “honor” of being part of court intrigue

Fortinbras Prince of Norway, whose father was killed by Hamlet’s father. Seeking revenge by reclaiming the land that Denmark took during the previous war. Similar to Hamlet, his uncle is now the King of Norway. He is also a foil for Hamlet.