"Hamlet" was written around 1600. This places it in the later part of Shakespeare's career, during the Elizabethan era.

The play is set in Denmark. Specifically, the action takes place in Elsinore Castle, a real location that still exists today.

"Hamlet" is Shakespeare's longest play. It contains over 4,000 lines and can take more than four hours to perform in its entirety.

The character of Hamlet is based on a legend. The story of Amleth, a figure from Danish folklore, inspired Shakespeare's tragic hero.

The famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy is in Act 3, Scene 1. This speech is one of the most quoted passages in English literature.

Hamlet is a prince. He is the son of the recently deceased King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude.

Claudius is the antagonist. He is Hamlet's uncle, who has married Gertrude and taken the throne.

Ophelia is Hamlet's love interest. Her tragic fate is one of the play's most poignant elements.

Polonius is Ophelia's father. He serves as the chief counselor to King Claudius.

The theme of revenge drives the plot. Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder by Claudius.

Laurence Olivier won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hamlet. His 1948 film adaptation is considered a classic.

Kenneth Branagh directed and starred in a full-length film version. Released in 1996, it remains one of the most faithful adaptations.

David Tennant played Hamlet in a 2008 Royal Shakespeare Company production. His performance was widely acclaimed.

The play has been adapted into various forms. These include films, television shows, and even graphic novels.

"The Lion King" is loosely based on "Hamlet." The Disney animated film draws inspiration from the play's themes and characters.

The play features a play within a play. "The Mousetrap" is performed by a troupe of actors to catch the conscience of King Claudius.

Hamlet's madness is a subject of debate. Scholars and audiences alike have long discussed whether his madness is real or feigned.

The ghost of King Hamlet appears in the first act. This supernatural element sets the tone for the play's exploration of death and the afterlife.

Yorick's skull is a famous prop. Hamlet's contemplation of the skull in Act 5, Scene 1, is one of the play's most iconic moments.

The play has been translated into many languages. Its universal themes resonate with audiences worldwide.

Sigmund Freud analyzed "Hamlet." He used the play to illustrate his theories of the Oedipus complex.

The phrase "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" is widely known. It has become a metaphor for corruption and decay.

"Hamlet" has inspired countless works of art. Painters, musicians, and writers have all drawn inspiration from the play.

The character of Hamlet has become a cultural archetype. The brooding, introspective hero appears in many forms across different media.

The play's influence extends to modern psychology. Concepts like "Hamlet syndrome" describe individuals who overthink and hesitate to act.

Shakespeare may have played the ghost of King Hamlet. Some scholars believe he took on this role in early performances.

The play has a record for the most film adaptations. Over 50 films have been made based on "Hamlet."

Hamlet's age is debated. While he is often portrayed as a young man, some lines suggest he might be around 30 years old.

The play has inspired video games. Titles like "To Be or Not To Be" bring the story to interactive media.

"Hamlet" has been performed in space. In 2013, astronauts aboard the International Space Station staged a reading of the play.

The play's first printed edition is known as the "bad quarto." This version, published in 1603, is shorter and considered less accurate.

Hamlet's last words are "The rest is silence." This poignant line concludes the tragic tale.