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Hamlet

A story of mystery, revenge and difficult choices by William Shakespeare

B150–60 minutesClassic LiteraturePrintable
Teacher lesson: Begin with the reading and a quick discussion. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersClassic Literature
1 Lesson Goals
Hamlet holding a skull on a moonlit castle terrace

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key events in Hamlet.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the story.
  • give an opinion about Hamlet’s choices using reasons.
Start here: If you discovered a serious secret, would you act immediately or find proof first? Tell a partner why.
2 Reading

Before you read: What can make a person unsure about what is true?

Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies. It is set in Denmark. Prince Hamlet is grieving because his father, the king, has died. Soon afterwards, Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, marries Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, who becomes the new king.

One night, Hamlet meets the ghost of his father. The ghost says that Claudius murdered him and asks Hamlet to take revenge. Hamlet is shocked, but he is not certain whether the ghost is telling the truth.

Hamlet decides to test Claudius. He asks a group of actors to perform a play that is similar to his father’s murder. Claudius reacts strongly and leaves. Hamlet now believes the ghost’s story.

As Hamlet delays and plans his revenge, the situation becomes more dangerous. Polonius is killed, Ophelia dies, and her brother Laertes wants revenge on Hamlet. Claudius arranges a duel between Hamlet and Laertes using a poisoned sword and poisoned drink.

During the duel, Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius and Hamlet all die. Before Hamlet dies, he finally kills Claudius. The play ends with Denmark facing a new future after the royal family’s tragedy.

3 Vocabulary

Match each word to the best meaning.

1. grief
2. revenge
3. ghost
4. suspicious
5. duel
6. poisoned
a. made dangerous by a harmful substance
b. deep sadness after a loss
c. a planned fight between two people
d. the spirit of a dead person
e. punishment for a wrong done to you
f. feeling that something may be wrong or dishonest
4 Check Your Understanding

Answer the questions.

  1. Why is Hamlet grieving at the beginning?
  2. What does the ghost tell Hamlet?
  3. How does Hamlet test Claudius?
  4. Why does Laertes want revenge?
  5. What happens during the final duel?
5 Language Focus

Complete each sentence with the best linking word: because, although, so, before, while.

  1. Hamlet is grieving ________ his father has died.
  2. ________ Hamlet wants the truth, he does not act immediately.
  3. Hamlet watches Claudius carefully ________ the actors perform.
  4. Claudius leaves the performance, ________ Hamlet becomes more certain of his guilt.
  5. Hamlet kills Claudius ________ he dies.
6 Listen & Speak

Discuss

Talk in pairs or small groups.

  • Was Hamlet right to look for proof before acting?
  • Which character makes the story more dangerous?
  • How does revenge create more revenge in the play?
  • What could Hamlet have done differently?

Characters

Match each character to the best description.

A. Hamlet
B. Claudius
C. Gertrude
D. Ophelia
E. Laertes
1. Hamlet’s mother and Queen of Denmark
2. Polonius’s son, who seeks revenge
3. Prince of Denmark, troubled by a difficult decision
4. The new king and Hamlet’s uncle
5. A young woman caught in the conflict around Hamlet

Choose one character and give two adjectives with reasons.

Hamlet — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

The Evidence Board

Work with a partner. Imagine you are helping Hamlet decide whether the ghost is telling the truth. Write three pieces of evidence Hamlet has and one question he still needs to answer.

Write

Write 100–120 words on one topic.

  • Hamlet’s diary after meeting the ghost.
  • Advice to Hamlet before he tests Claudius.
  • A different ending in which the characters avoid the final duel.
8 Puzzle or Game
Who Am I?

Choose Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia or Laertes. Give three clues without saying the name. Your partner guesses the character.

Example: “I am a member of the royal family. I become king. Hamlet does not trust me.”

Write your three clues:

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main events in Hamlet.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can connect ideas using linking words.
  • I can give an opinion about a character and support it with a reason.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Hamlet

Plan: Note the main problem, 3 useful words or phrases, and one important choice made by a character.

Respond: Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, explaining what makes Hamlet a tragedy.

Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.