Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that tells the story of Prince Hamlet seeking revenge for his father's murder. It explores themes of madness, betrayal, and the complexity of human nature.
AP course connection
Topic 5.1: 5.1 Traits of closed and open structures in poetry
The act of seeking retribution for a perceived wrong or harm done to oneself or others.
Soliloquy: A dramatic monologue in which a character expresses their thoughts and feelings aloud, often revealing their innermost desires and conflicts.