Hamlet (Cliffs Complete)

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Essential Reading
Review: This book is the essential resource for anyone who wants to understand Hamlet. I eagerly recommend it to students from 8th grade to master's level, and to anyone who plans to teach this play. This text contains the complete original play, expert commentary, and very useful additional resources. Dr. Mategrano has done a thorough job of explaining the play, providing historical, theatrical, social, and religious background information. Explanations are provided to such crucial questions as why Hamlet, the dead king's only son, did not automatically become the reigning monarch. I found the section on the status of women to be especially insightful into the behavior of Gertrude and Ophelia. Anyone who teaches, studies or attends a performance of Hamlet will benefit greatly from having read this text.