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Hamlet – “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” - Coggle Diagram
Hamlet – “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”
Plot / Key Events
Ghost Appears –
Ghost tells Hamlet Claudius murdered him and wants revenge.
Hamlet Acts “Mad” –
Uses madness to hide his suspicions.
The Mousetrap –
Play within a play to test Claudius’s guilt.
Polonius Killed –
Hamlet stabs Polonius behind the curtain.
Ophelia’s Madness & Death –
Grief and pressure lead to her drowning.
Poison Plot with Laertes –
Claudius and Laertes plan the poisoned duel.
Final Duel & Deaths – Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius, Hamlet die; Fortinbras arrives.
Themes & Ideas
Revenge vs. Morality – Hamlet wants justice but fears sin and the afterlife.
Appearance vs. Reality – Spying, lies, and acting hide the truth.
Corruption & Decay – Denmark as a sick body or “unweeded garden.”
Madness (Real & Fake) – Hamlet’s act vs. Ophelia’s breakdown.
Death & Afterlife – Fear of what happens after death.
Symbols & Motifs
Poison – Hidden corruption spreading through Denmark.
Ghost – Past demanding justice, unfinished business.
The Play (“Mousetrap”) – Using theatre to reveal truth.
Yorick’s Skull – Reminder that death equalizes everyone.
Rot / Gardens – Images showing moral decay in the state.
Famous Quotes
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” – early hint of corruption.
“To be, or not to be” – Hamlet’s question about life, death, and action.
“The play’s the thing” – Hamlet using drama to catch the king.
“Get thee to a nunnery” – Hamlet’s harsh words to Ophelia.
“Alas, poor Yorick!” – Hamlet reflecting on death in the graveyard.
Characters & Relationships
Hamlet:
Gertrude – mother, confused loyalty
Claudius – uncle/stepfather, suspected murderer
Ophelia – love interest, pushed away
Horatio – loyal friend, truth-teller
Laertes – foil, another avenger
Ghost – father, demands revenge
Polonius:
Ophelia – obedient daughter
Laertes – protective son
Spies for king – sends Reynaldo, eavesdrop