Hamlet Timeline

  • King Hamlet Dies

    King Hamlet is murdered by his brother, Claudius, who pours poison in his ears while he is sleeping in the garden.
  • Gertrude marries King Claudius

    Just around a month after her husband's death, Gertrude marries Claudius.
  • Ghost Appears

    The ghost of King Hamlet is seen by the guards at the beginning of the play. They decide to notify Hamlet.
  • Laertes is given permission to leave for France

    Laertes is able to leave for France, but Claudius forbids Hamlet to go to the University in Wittenburg.
  • Polonius and Laertes warns Ophelia about loving Hamlet

    Polonius and Laertes believe that Hamlet does not truly love Ophelia, and advise her to not be fooled by his love.
  • Hamlet speaks to the ghost

    Hamlet speaks to the ghost and finds out the truth of his father's murder, promising him swift revenge. He is confused about whether or not to believe the ghost.
  • Claudius asks Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet and find the source of his madness.

    Rosencrantz and Guildenstern spy on Hamlet, but Hamlet is suspicious of their intentions.
  • Polonius and Claudius spy on Ophelia's talk with Hamlet

    Ophelia speaks with Hamlet, but he lashes out at her with harsh words. This supports Polonius' idea that his madness is from love. Ophelia is left questioning their love.
  • Actors Come, Hamlet alters the play

    Actors visit Denmark, and Hamlet asks one of the actors to add Hamlet's additional lines into the play. Hamlet intends the play to mirror the murder of the king.
  • Hamlet admires the actor's ability to act in a false situation

    Hamlet wishes that he would be more definitive in his actions, and confident in avenging his father.
  • To be or not to be.....

    Hamlet's "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy reflects his thoughts on death. He says death would rid him of the world's troubles, but the unknown of after death scares him.
  • Hamlet sees Claudius praying

    Hamlet sees Claudius defenseless, but decides not to kill him because of his lack of sins after prayer.
  • Hamlet criticizes Gertrude, Kills Polonius

    Hamlet accuses his mother of marrying Claudius, and kills Poloniius thinking that it is Claudius hiding behind the curtain.
  • The play evokes a response from Claudius

    The play that Hamlet editted reflects the murder the ghost described. It scares Claudius and he storms out the room and stops the play.
  • Hamlet sent to England

    Claudius sends Hamlet to England, and begins to plan for his death.
  • Ophelia loses her mind

    Ophelia sings about death and love. She has lost her mind after Polonius' death.
  • Laertes expresses his anger

    Laertes blames Claudius for Polonius' death, and is devastated to see his sister lose her mind. Once Claudius is proven innocent, they plan for the death of Hamlet.
  • Ophelia drowns herself in the river

  • Hamlet and Horatio witness Ophelia's burial

    Hamlet and Horatio are walking in the graveyard when they see Ophelia's grave. Hamlet declares his love for her, and fights with Laertes.
  • Hamlet agrees to fencing match with Laertes

    Hamlet is challenged to a fencing match against Laertes. But he does not know that Laertes has dipped his sword in poison and sharpened it.
  • Queen Gertrude drinks the poisoned cup and dies

    Gertrude willingly drinks the poisoned cup prepared by Claudius for Hamlet.
  • Hamlet and Laertes are injured. Laertes dies.

    Hamlet and Laertes are both striked with the poisoned sword. Hamlet is hit first, but after an exchange of swords, injures Laertes.
  • Hamlet kills Claudius

    Anger at Claudius makes Hamlet force Claudius to drink his own poison. Claudius dies.
  • Hamlet Dies

    Hamlet dies, and asks Horatio to live and tell the story.
  • Fortinbras enters the scene

    Fortinbras enters to find dead bodies scattered on the floor. Horatio tells him the story of Hamlet.
  • Hamlet is carried away like a soldier, and given a soldier's burial.