"To be or not to be" confounded by Shakespeare-that is the question. Hamlet is an action-packed thriller with apparitions, murder, revenge, deception, poisons, and diabolical traps. With timeless themes, it explores friendship, relationships, honor, fate, madness, and more. Now you can savor Hamlet in a modern, easy-to-understand translation that makes reading it quick and painless. Other aids make following the action and grasping the meaning a snap: * A brief synopsis of the plot and action * A comprehensive character list that describes the characteristics, motivations, and actions of each major player * A visual character map that shows the relationships of major characters * A cycle-of-death graphic that pinpoints the sequence of deaths and includes who dies, how they die, and why * Reflective questions that help you understand the themes of the play With Shakespeare on the Double! Hamlet, you'll be enlightened instead of confounded.

Author Biography

Mary Ellen Snodgrass is an award-winning author of textbooks and general reference works, and a former columnist for the Charlotte Observer. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Appalachian State University, and holds degrees in English, Latin, psychology, and education of gifted children.