The story of Hamlet takes place in Denmark and involves the royal family of Denmark. The play begins with Hamlet deeply depressed over his father's (King Hamlet) death and his mother's marriage, after only two months, to his uncle, Claudius, who is now the new King.
             Hamlet's best friend, Horatio, relays the news to Hamlet that he has seen a ghost. It turns out to be that the spirit is that of Hamlet's father, who tells him that he had been murdered by his brother, King Claudius. Hamlet is outraged and promises to avenge his father's murder. Hamlet delays his revenge and acts insane. After meeting the ghost, Hamlet's actions in the play lead everyone except Horatio to believe that he is crazy. But before going any further, he had to first prove that the ghost was real and was telling the truth by staging a play which he referred to as "The Mousetrap" at the court, and invited his uncle and mother to attend. Hamlet wanted to find out if his uncle was guilty of his father's murder and he planned to judge his uncle based upon how he reacted during the play. In order to seek revenge, Hamlet needed to be sure that his uncle is the murderer. Horatio offers a warning to Hamlet, giving him the idea to use insanity to work out his plan. Hamlets insanity becomes the key question throughout the play. His mannerisms display both calm and rationality as well as madness. The play proves to Hamlet Claudius' guilt, and Hamlet now knows he must continue with his plan to avenge his father. King Claudius becomes fearful of Hamlet. He doubts his insanity and sees him as a threat. The King decides to send Hamlet to England. The King acknowledges his crime to himself and realizes that he cannot escape justice for what he has done. Polonius listens in on a conversation between Hamlet and his mother and is discovered and killed. The Ghost reappears during this time and the Queen agrees to stop living with Claudius. Ophelia commits suicid...