Published in 1603, Hamlet, William Shakespeare’s longest and most famous play, is perfect for any and all who enjoy timeless classics with a hint of comedy. Shakespeare wondrously creates a play that in many ways has aspects similar to our everyday lives as teens; love, betrayal, and even suicide.



A lot goes on behind the castle walls of Elsinore. After having a conversation with the spirit of his father, the late King Hamlet, Hamlet discovers that the previous ruler of Denmark’s death was no accident; he was disgustingly poisoned by his own brother, Claudius. Having now successfully murdered his only sibling, Claudius seizes the throne of Denmark and marries the late king’s widow, Queen Gertrude. The ghost promptly instructs his beloved son to not only avenge his name by killing his uncle, but to save his mother from the incestuous bed she now unknowingly lies on.








While trying to plot his uncle’s death, Hamlet soon turns mentally unstable due to all of his troubling thoughts. He struggles within himself whether or not he should continue to live in this corrupt world; unfortunately, a major decision many people still face today. Hamlet discusses one of the most famous quotes from the play, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” Not only does he hurt himself, but like most people dealing with inner conflict, he hurts those around him as well.





Getting the impression that his stepson/nephew is becoming insane, Claudius, the new king of Denmark, senses that Hamlet is not only a threat to him, but the entire kingdom. In order to protect his image and feel secure, the king in turn devises a plan for Hamlet to be murdered. While the two furtively plot each other’s death, many lose their life getting in the way, whether on accident, or on purpose. By the end of the final scene, Shakespeare addresses a controversial topic that is the very heart of the play; mental instability, untreated, causes an uproar of unforeseen events.









Without a doubt, William Shakespeare is one the most influential playwrights in history. His dramatic plays filled with biblical references, mythological allusions, and various literary techniques changed the world of English literature, as well as how we perceive it. Contrary to the initial thought produced by the idea of reading a play by Shakespeare, taking the time to absorb the words in the text will create an everlasting and unforgettable effect. It is no wonder that many amazing works were founded upon his own ingenuousness.