... disastrous not only to Denmark as a political entity; but also lead to the deaths of the all the play's characters, except for Horatio. In Act I Scene 5, the Ghost explains to Hamlet, how Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, murdered his father and that he wants Hamlet to avenge his death (I.v.38-90). The Ghost ... result of the play on the 'murder of Gonzago' (III. ii. 175-265): in Act III, scene i, the King displays his guilt to the audience of the crime committed; and after the interlude he delivers these self-condemning words: "O, my offence is rank: it smells to heaven; it hath the prima...

• Word Count: 1979
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School