This quick synopsis of the plot is the ideal characteristics of a tragedy. The reason I considered it a tragicomedy is because of Hamlets" madness. The people of Denmark do not realize this comedy, but an experienced Shakespeare reader can decipher through Hamlet's words and understand .
2.
that he was not mad rather strategically smart in his words. A classic quote from the text, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark," gives evidence to the fact that comedy does exist in Hamlet's words. (Because we watched the movie, I do not recall the Act this quote occurred in.) Hamlet's words are directed towards his widowed mother and his her new husband Claudius. Their action of marriage during this difficult time in Prince Hamlet's life is very disheartening to him. But with strategically worded quotes like this, the King and Queen and the rest of the citizens never are really able to pin point Hamlet's motives for his awkward behavior.
The in-general plot deals with trials and tribulations along with lies, revenge, power struggles, family controversy, adultery, greed, wealth, and death. King Hamlet's brother Claudius kills him for two reasons: his wife and his throne. The ghost of King Hamlet appears to his son whom realizes he must seek revenge on Claudius for his actions. This plot line is rather normal but Shakespeare does mix it up with twist of the family connection. In my readings of Renaissance material, I have not come across a playwright dealing with inner-family problems to his magnitude. But this plot line is borrowed from the bible. I would relate this example to that of the biblical sources of Cain and Able. .
The play begins with an odd form being discovered by a pair of watchmen, a ghost resembling the deceased King Hamlet, is found and brought to the attention of Prince Hamlet. When Horatio and the watchmen bring Prince Hamlet, to see the ghost, it speaks to him, declaring ominously that it is indeed his father's spirit, and the ghost concludes that he was killed by Claudius.