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.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in Hamlet and read in-depth analyses of Hamlet, Ophelia, Claudius, and more. 

Literary Devices

Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in Hamlet, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.

Essays

Get ready to ace your Hamlet paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, and more.

Further Study

Go further in your study of Hamlet with background information, movie adaptations, and links to the best resources around the web.