We studied in class an extract from Romeo and Juliet and As you like it by William Shakespeare. But I would like to talk about an other famous tragedy by W. Shakespeare : Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. This tragedy dating back to an uncertain date between 1599 and 1602.

The Denmark’s King, father of Hamlet, is assassinated by his brother Claudius. He take his place on the throne and he marry with Gertrude, widow of his brother. The ghost of the King appears to Hamlet, and reveals his murderer, he must avenge his father. Hamlet feigns madness to expose his uncle. We put this insanity on account of his love for Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, the king’s counselor.

If you want to know the rest of the story I suggest you either read the play or watch the theatrical adaptation of Patrice Chéreau (link with « La Fausse suivante » studied in French) or the movies Hamlet (1948) by Laurence Olivier.