First performed around 1600, Hamlet tells the story of a prince whose duty to revenge his father’s death entangles him in philosophical problems he can’t solve. Shakespeare’s best-known play is widely regarded as the most influential literary work ever written. Read a character analysis of Hamlet, plot summary, and important quotes.
Read our full plot summary and analysis of Hamlet, scene by scene breakdowns, and more.
See a complete list of the characters in Hamlet and read in-depth analyses of Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, and more.
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Hamlet, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about Hamlet and find the answers you need.
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of Hamlet by reading these key quotes.
Test your knowledge of Hamlet with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Get ready to ace your Hamlet paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, and more.
Go further in your study of Hamlet with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.