Hamlet by William Shakespeare – Book Review, Summary

“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
This single line from Hamlet has become so famous that even people who haven’t read the play are familiar with it. But beyond these iconic words lies a powerful story of betrayal, revenge, madness, love, and existential crisis.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most influential tragedies in English literature. Despite being written over 400 years ago, its themes are still relevant today. In this review, let’s explore the story, characters, language, and why Hamlet continues to be studied and celebrated across the world—including in India.

---

🟡 Basic Details of the Book

• Book Title: Hamlet

• Author: William Shakespeare

• Genre: Tragedy / Classic Literature / Drama

• First Published: Around 1600-1602

• Setting: Denmark, primarily in Elsinore Castle

• Main Themes: Revenge, Madness, Death, Morality, Family, Power

---

🧠 Plot Summary (Without Spoilers)

Hamlet is the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark. After the mysterious death of his father—the king—Hamlet is visited by his father’s ghost. The ghost reveals that he was murdered by Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, who has now taken the throne and married Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude.

What follows is Hamlet’s emotional and psychological journey as he tries to take revenge while grappling with moral dilemmas, internal doubts, and growing madness. It’s a complex story where every action leads to more consequences, and the line between reality and madness gets thinner.

---

🔍 Why Hamlet is a Must-Read Classic

1. Timeless Themes that Touch Every Reader

Revenge, love, guilt, corruption, and death—these are not just royal problems but human problems. Even though Hamlet is set in a royal palace in Denmark, its emotions are universal. Whether you’re from Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, or Kolkata, you’ll find something in Hamlet that speaks to you.

For example, Hamlet’s confusion about life and death (“To be, or not to be”) is something that many people go through during tough times.

2. Deeply Layered Characters

Each character in Hamlet is written with such depth that even side characters like Polonius, Ophelia, and Laertes leave a strong impact. Hamlet himself is one of the most complex characters in world literature—brilliant, emotional, confused, witty, and philosophical.

In India, where family values and moral dilemmas are often discussed, Hamlet’s struggle between duty and emotion feels especially relevant.

3. Rich and Powerful Language

Yes, Shakespeare’s English is a bit old-fashioned. But once you get used to it—or read a good translation—it becomes magical. His poetic expressions, metaphors, and philosophical ideas are unforgettable.

For Indian readers, modern English editions or translated versions in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, or Bengali are available, making the story more accessible.

4. Suspense and Drama Like a Thriller

Don’t think of Hamlet as just some boring, old book. It has everything a great thriller needs—mystery, betrayal, spying, love affairs, madness, sword fights, and shocking twists. Think of it as a high-quality historical suspense drama.

---

🧑‍🎓 Characters Overview

🟢 Hamlet

The prince of Denmark. A philosopher at heart but a son seeking revenge. His thoughts and soliloquies are among the most quoted in literature.

🟢 Claudius

Hamlet’s uncle and now the king. Smart, manipulative, and dangerous. A true Shakespearean villain.

🟢 Gertrude

Hamlet’s mother, who marries Claudius soon after her husband’s death. Her loyalty and choices are constantly questioned by Hamlet.

🟢 Ophelia

A young noblewoman who loves Hamlet. Her tragic fate is one of the most emotional parts of the play.

🟢 Polonius, Laertes, and Horatio

These supporting characters offer wisdom, loyalty, or conflict. Each plays an important role in the storyline.

---

📚 Hamlet in Indian Context

Many Indian readers and writers find Hamlet very relatable. The strong focus on family loyalty, moral confusion, love, and duty are themes we often see in Indian films and stories. In fact, several Bollywood movies have drawn inspiration from Hamlet. The most famous example is Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Haider”, which sets the story in Kashmir and beautifully adapts the plot to the Indian political landscape.

For Indian readers, this emotional and cultural overlap makes Hamlet even more powerful.

---

📖 What Makes Hamlet Unique Compared to Other Tragedies?

Shakespeare wrote many tragedies—like Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear—but Hamlet stands out. Why?

• It dives deeply into the psychology of its main character.

• It blends philosophy with action, something rare in plays.

• Its dialogues have become a part of everyday language.

• It challenges the idea of simple good vs. evil.

In short, Hamlet is not just a revenge story. It’s a story about being human.

---

🔥 What You’ll Love as a Modern Indian Reader

• Emotional Complexity: The confusion, sadness, and doubt Hamlet faces are emotions many young Indians experience today.

• Powerful Monologues: These speeches are gold for students and actors preparing for drama, literature, or debates.

• Ethical Questions: Should we take revenge? Should we obey society or our heart? Should we fight or forgive?

• Symbolism: From skulls to ghosts, everything has a deeper meaning.

---

❌ Challenges While Reading Hamlet

Of course, there are a few things that might feel difficult:

• Language Barrier: Shakespeare’s English is old-style. But don’t worry—many versions simplify the language.

• Slow Pace at Times: Some parts feel slow, especially if you’re new to classic literature.

• Complex Dialogues: His sentences are poetic, which can sometimes be confusing without annotations.

👉 Tip: Choose an edition with footnotes, explanations, or translations. There are even Hindi-English combined versions available now.

---

🎓 Ideal For Whom?

• Literature students

• Fans of classic drama and tragedies

• Anyone interested in human psychology

• Actors, debaters, and public speakers

• Readers looking for depth, not just entertainment

---

🌟 Why Read Hamlet Today?

In today’s fast-paced world, we often look for quick entertainment—movies, reels, or action-packed books. But sometimes, slowing down and reading something thoughtful can be life-changing. Hamlet teaches us to think deeply, question what’s right and wrong, and reflect on our own lives.

Reading Hamlet is not just about finishing a classic. It’s about understanding ourselves a little better.

---

📘 Final Verdict: 4.8/5

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a timeless masterpiece that still resonates with readers all over the world—including in India. Yes, it’s a challenging read at first, but once you enter Hamlet’s world, you’ll find it hard to leave.

If you’re someone who enjoys meaningful stories, powerful dialogues, and emotional depth, then Hamlet deserves a place on your bookshelf.

---

❓ FAQ: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

1. Is Hamlet based on a true story?

No, but it was inspired by older tales of a Danish prince found in medieval literature. Shakespeare added depth and creativity to the plot.

2. Can I read Hamlet if I’m new to classics?

Yes, just start with a modern translation or an edition with explanations. Even students in Indian schools and colleges study it regularly.

3. Why is Hamlet considered a tragedy?

It deals with human suffering, fatal flaws, moral confusion, and a heartbreaking ending. All elements of a Shakespearean tragedy are present.

4. What is the main message of Hamlet?

Hamlet explores themes of revenge, the meaning of life, morality, and the dangers of overthinking.

5. Are there any Indian adaptations of Hamlet?

Yes! Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider is a popular Bollywood film based on Hamlet and set in Kashmir.

6. How long does it take to read Hamlet?

Depending on your speed, it might take around 5 to 8 hours. Take your time, and maybe read it in parts.

7. Where can I buy Hamlet in India?

You can find various editions online on Amazon, Flipkart, or at bookstores like Crossword and Oxford. Local Indian publishers also offer low-cost versions.