==[[Time Period]]==
 
==[[Time Period]]==
The time period of ''Hamlet'' is Renaissance, contemporary with Shakespeare's England, although a few anachronisms can be found.  See the [[Time Period]] page.
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The time period of ''Hamlet'' is Renaissance, contemporary with Shakespeare's England, although a few anachronisms can be found.  See the '''[[Time Period]]''' page.
    
==[[Time of Year]]==
 
==[[Time of Year]]==
 
[[File:Narcissus_pseudonarcissus.jpg|right|Wild Narcissus]]
 
[[File:Narcissus_pseudonarcissus.jpg|right|Wild Narcissus]]
The time of year is the Spring.  See the [[Time of Year]] page.
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The time of year is the Spring.  See the '''[[Time of Year]]''' page.
    
==Characters==
 
==Characters==
 
| colspan="3" | '''Anonymous, non-speaking, appearing on stage:'''
 
| colspan="3" | '''Anonymous, non-speaking, appearing on stage:'''
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Courtiers]] || [[Ladies-in-waiting]] || [[Players]] || [[Royal Entourage]] || [[Swissers]]
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| [[Players]] || [[Royal Entourage]] || [[Swissers]]
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | Plus extras as needed for atmosphere
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| colspan="4" | Plus Musicians, Pages, Guards, etc. as needed.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" | '''Offstage, known by reference only, alive or dead:'''
 
| colspan="3" | '''Offstage, known by reference only, alive or dead:'''
    
==[[Explication]]==
 
==[[Explication]]==
''Hamlet'' is so widely misinterpreted and misunderstood that an explication of the play, in considerable detail, is mandatory as part of any acceptable presentation.  So, here it is:  '''[[Explication]].''' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <b>Walkthrough</b> that includes a timeline may also be helpful. &nbsp; Also, I have a few remarks on the subject of <b>How to Read ''Hamlet.''</b>
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''Hamlet'' is so widely misinterpreted and misunderstood that an explication of the play, in considerable detail, is mandatory as part of any acceptable presentation.  So, here it is:  '''[[Explication]].''' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <b>Walkthrough</b> that includes a timeline may also be helpful.
    
==Scenes==
 
==Scenes==
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 1]]'''</big> - Who's There?  <span style="color:gray">(Act 1 scene 1)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 1]]'''</big> - Who's There?  <span style="color:gray">(Act 1 scene 1)</span><br>
[[File:Second_quarto_whos_there.jpg|right|Who's There]]
+
[[File:Second_quarto_whos_there.jpg|right|Who's there]]
 
On a platform between the Castle and the sea, the sentinels Marcellus and Barnardo, accompanied by Horatio, see the Ghost.  Horatio speaks of how King Hamlet killed the Elder Fortinbrasse in a single combat, and won his land, in earlier times.  Horatio also speaks of Young Fortinbrasse raising an army, and the men wonder if the Ghost is an omen of disaster for Denmark.  They decide to tell Hamlet about the Ghost.
 
On a platform between the Castle and the sea, the sentinels Marcellus and Barnardo, accompanied by Horatio, see the Ghost.  Horatio speaks of how King Hamlet killed the Elder Fortinbrasse in a single combat, and won his land, in earlier times.  Horatio also speaks of Young Fortinbrasse raising an army, and the men wonder if the Ghost is an omen of disaster for Denmark.  They decide to tell Hamlet about the Ghost.
 
|-
 
|-
 
In the Throne Room, we see Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet, as the new King Claudius holds his first session of the royal court.  Claudius sends diplomats to Norway to try to deal with the problem Fortinbrasse poses.  Claudius grants Laertes permission to return to France.  Hamlet, in obedience to Gertrude, agrees to stay at Elsinore.  Claudius announces that he will celebrate that night, and adjourns.  Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo enter and tell Hamlet about the Ghost.
 
In the Throne Room, we see Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet, as the new King Claudius holds his first session of the royal court.  Claudius sends diplomats to Norway to try to deal with the problem Fortinbrasse poses.  Claudius grants Laertes permission to return to France.  Hamlet, in obedience to Gertrude, agrees to stay at Elsinore.  Claudius announces that he will celebrate that night, and adjourns.  Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo enter and tell Hamlet about the Ghost.
 
|-
 
|-
|''Interscene 2 - 3:''<br>
+
|'''[[Interscene 2 - 3]]:'''<br>
 
Laertes, accompanied by Ophelia, has gone to the harbor at the town of Elsinore, where the ship that will take Laertes to France is ready to sail.  Polonius observes from the Castle that the ship has not left yet, and makes his way down to the harbor to see why not.
 
Laertes, accompanied by Ophelia, has gone to the harbor at the town of Elsinore, where the ship that will take Laertes to France is ready to sail.  Polonius observes from the Castle that the ship has not left yet, and makes his way down to the harbor to see why not.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 5]]'''</big> - Murder Most Foul <span style="color:gray">  (Act 1 scene 5)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 5]]'''</big> - Murder Most Foul <span style="color:gray">  (Act 1 scene 5)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Folio murder.jpg|right|Revenge]]
 
At the graveyard, Hamlet stops and tells the Ghost he'll go no farther.  The Ghost speaks to Hamlet, saying he's the spirit of Hamlet's father, and that Claudius murdered King Hamlet, using the strange method of poison in the ear.  The Ghost calls upon Hamlet for revenge.  The Ghost implies that he's in purgatory, and that Gertrude is less than virtuous, but makes neither statement expressly.  Nor does the Ghost tell Hamlet what to do for revenge, but the conclusion is obvious that he should kill Claudius.  The Ghost tells Hamlet to remember him, and exits. Hamlet condemns Gertrude and Claudius, and swears to himself that he will remember.
 
At the graveyard, Hamlet stops and tells the Ghost he'll go no farther.  The Ghost speaks to Hamlet, saying he's the spirit of Hamlet's father, and that Claudius murdered King Hamlet, using the strange method of poison in the ear.  The Ghost calls upon Hamlet for revenge.  The Ghost implies that he's in purgatory, and that Gertrude is less than virtuous, but makes neither statement expressly.  Nor does the Ghost tell Hamlet what to do for revenge, but the conclusion is obvious that he should kill Claudius.  The Ghost tells Hamlet to remember him, and exits. Hamlet condemns Gertrude and Claudius, and swears to himself that he will remember.
    
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 6]]'''</big> - Madness of Love <span style="color:gray">(Act 2 scene 1)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 6]]'''</big> - Madness of Love <span style="color:gray">(Act 2 scene 1)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto ecstasy.jpg|right|ecstasy of love]]
 
In Polonius's office in the Castle, the day after Laertes leaves for France, Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to check up on Laertes in Paris.  Polonius is suspicious of why Laertes was so insistent on returning to France, and he fears Laertes is involved in vice there, so he wants to find out about that right away.  Polonius has waited only until the next day to send Reynaldo, merely so that Reynaldo won't be on the same ship as Laertes.
 
In Polonius's office in the Castle, the day after Laertes leaves for France, Polonius sends his servant Reynaldo to check up on Laertes in Paris.  Polonius is suspicious of why Laertes was so insistent on returning to France, and he fears Laertes is involved in vice there, so he wants to find out about that right away.  Polonius has waited only until the next day to send Reynaldo, merely so that Reynaldo won't be on the same ship as Laertes.
    
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 7]]'''</big> - The Play's the Thing <span style="color:gray">(Act 2 scene 2)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 7]]'''</big> - The Play's the Thing <span style="color:gray">(Act 2 scene 2)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Folio north north west.jpg|right|Folio "mad north north-west..."]]
 
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are instructed to spend time with Hamlet.  The Danish diplomats, returned from Norway, report that they have reached an agreement.  Polonius argues to Claudius that Hamlet loves Ophelia.  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern talk with Hamlet, but Hamlet only gives them a verbal runaround.  An acting company arrives.  Hamlet decides to have a play performed to test what the Ghost said.
 
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are instructed to spend time with Hamlet.  The Danish diplomats, returned from Norway, report that they have reached an agreement.  Polonius argues to Claudius that Hamlet loves Ophelia.  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern talk with Hamlet, but Hamlet only gives them a verbal runaround.  An acting company arrives.  Hamlet decides to have a play performed to test what the Ghost said.
    
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 8]]'''</big> - [[Nunnery Scene]] <span style="color:gray"> (Act 3 scene 1)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 8]]'''</big> - [[Nunnery Scene]] <span style="color:gray"> (Act 3 scene 1)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Folio noble mind.jpg|right|"noble mind" speech beginning]]
 
In the Throne Room, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern admit to Claudius they were unable to find out what Claudius wanted to know about Hamlet.  They mention the Players.
 
In the Throne Room, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern admit to Claudius they were unable to find out what Claudius wanted to know about Hamlet.  They mention the Players.
    
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 9]]'''</big> - The [[Mousetrap]]  <span style="color:gray">(Act 3 scene 2)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 9]]'''</big> - The [[Mousetrap]]  <span style="color:gray">(Act 3 scene 2)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto chorus.jpg|right|good as a chorus]]
 
Hamlet coaches the actors before the play.  Hamlet asks Horatio to help him watch Claudius.  The Mousetrap Play proceeds.  Claudius rushes out in the middle of the play.  Hamlet agrees to talk to Gertrude.
 
Hamlet coaches the actors before the play.  Hamlet asks Horatio to help him watch Claudius.  The Mousetrap Play proceeds.  Claudius rushes out in the middle of the play.  Hamlet agrees to talk to Gertrude.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 10]]'''</big> - [[Prayer Scene]] <span style="color:gray"> (Act 3 scene 3)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 10]]'''</big> - [[Prayer Scene]] <span style="color:gray"> (Act 3 scene 3)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto viage.jpg|right|speedy viage]]
 
Claudius tells Rosencrantz & Guildenstern to prepare to escort Hamlet to England.  Polonius says he'll hide in Gertrude's room to eavesdrop on Hamlet talking to Gertrude.  Claudius worries about his soul and decides to pray.  Hamlet leaves without killing Claudius.
 
Claudius tells Rosencrantz & Guildenstern to prepare to escort Hamlet to England.  Polonius says he'll hide in Gertrude's room to eavesdrop on Hamlet talking to Gertrude.  Claudius worries about his soul and decides to pray.  Hamlet leaves without killing Claudius.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 11]]'''</big> - [[Closet Scene]]  <span style="color:gray">(Act 3 scene 4)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 11]]'''</big> - [[Closet Scene]]  <span style="color:gray">(Act 3 scene 4)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto rash and bloody.jpg|right|rash and bloody]]
 
Polonius hides in Gertrude's room to eavesdrop.  Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius.  Hamlet goes on at considerable length to Gertrude, during which the Ghost appears, but Gertrude can't see it.  Hamlet drags Polonius's body away to take it to Claudius's room, and use it in connection with killing Claudius.  Gertrude, not knowing Hamlet intends to kill Claudius, and fearing Hamlet will be arrested for murder, rushes to Claudius's room.
 
Polonius hides in Gertrude's room to eavesdrop.  Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius.  Hamlet goes on at considerable length to Gertrude, during which the Ghost appears, but Gertrude can't see it.  Hamlet drags Polonius's body away to take it to Claudius's room, and use it in connection with killing Claudius.  Gertrude, not knowing Hamlet intends to kill Claudius, and fearing Hamlet will be arrested for murder, rushes to Claudius's room.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 12]]'''</big> - Mad as the Sea and Wind <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 1)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 12]]'''</big> - Mad as the Sea and Wind <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 1)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Folio discord and dismay.jpg|right|discord and dismay]]
 
Gertrude rushes into Claudius's room, finds to her surprise that Hamlet is not under arrest there, and, while trying to defend Hamlet, reveals to Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius.  Claudius sends R & G to find Hamlet and Polonius's body.
 
Gertrude rushes into Claudius's room, finds to her surprise that Hamlet is not under arrest there, and, while trying to defend Hamlet, reveals to Claudius that Hamlet has killed Polonius.  Claudius sends R & G to find Hamlet and Polonius's body.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 13]]'''</big> - Where's the Body? <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 2)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 13]]'''</big> - Where's the Body? <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 2)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Folio sponge.jpg|right|sponge]]
 
In a hallway, Hamlet has just finished hiding Polonius's body underneath the stairs to the Lobby.  He is standing only a few feet from the stairs as R & G enter.  Hamlet refuses to tell them where Polonius's body is, and they leave to go to Claudius, (leaving Polonius's body unfound, only a few feet from where R & G were speaking to Hamlet.)
 
In a hallway, Hamlet has just finished hiding Polonius's body underneath the stairs to the Lobby.  He is standing only a few feet from the stairs as R & G enter.  Hamlet refuses to tell them where Polonius's body is, and they leave to go to Claudius, (leaving Polonius's body unfound, only a few feet from where R & G were speaking to Hamlet.)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 14]]'''</big> - For England? <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 3)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 14]]'''</big> - For England? <span style="color:gray">(Act 4 scene 3)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto present death.jpg|right|the present death of Hamlet]]
 
Claudius talks to Hamlet, and eventually learns where Polonius's body is.  Claudius tells Hamlet that, despite his killing of Polonius, Claudius is still sending Hamlet to England, which astonishes Hamlet.  Claudius, when alone, reveals that his letter to the King of England is an order to execute Hamlet.
 
Claudius talks to Hamlet, and eventually learns where Polonius's body is.  Claudius tells Hamlet that, despite his killing of Polonius, Claudius is still sending Hamlet to England, which astonishes Hamlet.  Claudius, when alone, reveals that his letter to the King of England is an order to execute Hamlet.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 15]]'''</big> - Fortinbrasse Arrives <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 4)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 15]]'''</big> - Fortinbrasse Arrives <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 4)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto patch of ground.jpg|right|patch of ground]]
 
Hamlet, while being escorted by R & G to the harbor at the local town, sees Fortinbrasse's army arriving, and talks to one of the army captains.
 
Hamlet, while being escorted by R & G to the harbor at the local town, sees Fortinbrasse's army arriving, and talks to one of the army captains.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 16]]'''</big> - Baker's Daughter <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 5)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 16]]'''</big> - Baker's Daughter <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 5)</span><br>
 +
[[File:Second quarto blackest devil.jpg|right|blackest devil]]
 
Ophelia appears, madly.  Laertes has returned from France, and irate over the death of his father, leads a rabble from the local area to storm the Castle and challenge Claudius.  Ophelia appears again, madly, sings, and gives Laertes flowers.  Laertes agrees to listen to Claudius's side of the story in the death of Polonius.
 
Ophelia appears, madly.  Laertes has returned from France, and irate over the death of his father, leads a rabble from the local area to storm the Castle and challenge Claudius.  Ophelia appears again, madly, sings, and gives Laertes flowers.  Laertes agrees to listen to Claudius's side of the story in the death of Polonius.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Interscene 16 - 17:''<br>
 
|''Interscene 16 - 17:''<br>
(Does not exist.  Scene 17 is simultaneous with Scene 16.)
+
(Does not exist, as such, chronologically.  Scene 17 is simultaneous with part of Scene 16.)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 17]]'''</big> - Thieves of Mercy <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 6)</span><br>
 
| <big>'''[[Scene 17]]'''</big> - Thieves of Mercy <span style="color:gray"> (Act 4 scene 6)</span><br>

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