Hamlet The American

Hamlet The American actor Edwin Booth as Hamlet, ca. 1870

The Tragical History of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is one of the most famous plays in world drama. It was written in 1600 -1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play, it has 4042 lines and 29551 words. The protagonist of Hamlet is Prince Hamlet of Denmark, son of deceased King Hamlet and his wife, Queen Gertrude. Near Elsinore, Denmark, royal palace, the soldiers several times noticed a ghost, which was similar to the recently deceased king. The news comes to the Danish Prince Hamlet, and he decides to see a ghost. The ghost told him that his uncle, the present king, killed him, and bequeathed to his son revenge. Hamlet is shocked and confused to such an extent that he decides to pretend to be crazy. He tried to find proof of guilt of his uncle, but in vain. The king, realizing that Hamlet is pretending, sent him his friends to find out what is really on the mind of Hamlet. But Hamlet didn’t tell them anything. He put the play "Murder of Gonzago" which showed the murder of the former king. King understood that Hamlet is dangerous for him, so he decided to poison Hamlet died. Before his death he had killed the king. Danish throne passes to Fortinbras, the Norwegian king.

Henry V The Agincourt Battle The king Henry V

“Henry V” is one of the most famous Shakespeare's historical plays, published in 1600. The story is about Hundred Years’ War and the Battle of Agincourt. The main characters are king Henry V, his brothers (dukes of Gloucester and Bedford), the king of France (Charles VI, but never named as such in the play), Katharine (his daughter) and a lot of other dukes and earls. The plot includes a lot of war incidents, but there are not any battles in the play. Shakespeare’s skill is such great, that spectators image battle atmosphere in the play without battles! The culmination of the play is battle of Agincourt. Before that event Henry V, worrying about the win, dressed up like usual warrior and talked to the soldiers. The next morning English army won the French, who were much more then Henry’s soldiers. In the end of the play Henry V married Katherine and teach her English. Shakespeare told to the spectators to be patriotic and unite England with the great king in the play. The translation of the story is rather difficult, because there are French, Irish and Wales dialects in it.

Othello Othello and Desdemona

«Othello» is one of the most famous Shakespeare's plays, published in 160 4. The plot is based on « The Moor of Venice » , written by Dzhiraldi Chintio. The main characters are the doge of Venice, Brabantcio (a senator), Othello (a noble moor, on service of the republic of Venice), Kassio (Othello’s lieutenant), Jago (Othello’s cornet), Rodrigo (a venetian nobleman), Desdemona (Brabantsio's daughter and Othello's wife), Emilia (Jago's wife) and Bianca (a courtesan). Othello get acquainted with Desdemona. Amazed with his stories about military campaigns, the girl falls in love with Othello and secretly they get married. Jago and Rodrigo prepare plot. They want to kill Othello and to take his place. Jago convinces Othello that Desdemona is mistress of Kassio, young subordinate of Othello. Jago starts conversation with Kassio about his girl, strolling near a place where Othello has hidden. Othello starts to trust Jago and to be jealous of Desdemona. To assure Othello of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness Jago plant to Kassio her scarf, a gift of her husband, and advises Othello to kill Desdemona in her sleep. When Desdemona has laid down on a bed, Othello starts to say that he knows everything, but she denies all his accusations. Shaken by Desdemona's "falsity" he is smothering her, but can’t do it properly, that’s why he stabs her with a dagger. Then Emilia tells Othello all the truth and furious Jago daggers her. And Othello, who can't forgive himself for killing his wife who really loved him, passes himself a death sentence and daggers himself.

Romeo and Juliet

About playwright Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1594 about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. Montague’s and Capulet’s family fight very often. But Romeo from Montague’s family fall in love to Juliet from Capulet’s family on the bal. Parents against, but teenagers have decided to get married. Then Romeo kills Tybalt, the brother of Juliet. The mother of Juliet make her to get married with the Paris. She accepts poison in despair, then Romeo does the same. The characters Prince Escalus is the Prince of Verona Count Paris is a kinsman of Escalus who wishes to marry Juliet. Mercutio is another kinsman of Escalus, and a friend of Romeo. Capulet is the father of the house of Capulet's wife Juliet is the daughter of Capulet Tybalt is a cousin of Juliet Montague is the father of the house of Montague's wife Romeo is the son of Montague Benvolio is Romeo's cousin and best friend. Friar Laurence is a Franciscan friar, and is Romeo's confidant. An Apothecary who reluctantly sells Romeo poison.