Hamlet: Insider's Guide

Teach It! Pre-Reading Hamlet with "Hamlet: An Insider’s Guide"

Hamlet is Shakespeare's most famous play. For the last 400 years, the Prince of Denmark has intrigued actors, audiences and students for his philosophical thinking and odd behavior. Delve deeper into the mind of the troubled Dane with our Folger Insiders' Guide. 
 

Above, the plot of the play is outlined, and the major characters introduced. Below, Director Joseph Haj and actors from Folger Theatre's 2010 production explore the mindsets of Hamlet and Ophelia, and their tragic stories.

These videos highlight the play's themes, characters, and plot, perfect for students encountering the play for the first time or listeners seeking a refresher course.

Hamlet's Journey

Teach It! Hamlet's Journey: What is a Hero?

Teach It! Hamlet: "Then Begins a Journey in my Head": Hamlet, Tourist of the Mind

Ophelia and Madness

Teach It! "To Show Virtue Her Own Feature," Ophelia’s Madness

Hamlet's Soliloquies

Teach It! "Importing the Argument": Dis-Covering Hamlet’s Soliloquies

Teach It! Relay Shakespeare: Sharing Hamlet’s Soliloquies

The Insider's Guide series is a project of Folger Education, Robert G. Young, Director, and Folger External Relations, Garland Scott, Head.

Executive Producers: Heather Daniels, Mark Fastoso
Writer: Amy Arden
Host: Casey Kaleba

Special thanks to Folger Theatre, Janet Alexander Griffin, Artistic Producer, and the featured artists from its 2010 production of Hamlet, directed by Joseph Haj.