CliffsNotes on Shakespeare's Hamlet (Cliffsnotes Literature Guides)

Let’s get serious!I studied Hamlet in high school and in college.I have seen it several times! (In those days, we did not even “whisper” Cliff Notes let alone read it or rely on it. After all, the NYC Regents reviewers were Not stupid.)Fast way forward, in March 2020, we have tix to see British female actress, Ruth Negga, perform as “Hamlet” in NYC!I am told the “nuances” are “different”. ???Hence, a review is required!So excited to see Ruth Negga performHamlet as she has already performed Ophelia several times!

Having read Aaron Wolfe’s book on Shakespeare in modern English Cliffs notes enabled me to understand the heights and depths of Hamlet.

Arrived very fast, well-packaged, and as-described. Really helped immenselyfor my son to better follow and understand "Hamlet." Also, very reasonably-priced.Good Purchase and Good Seller!

I read Shakespear for fun, not for school. However,due to change of the English language since the 1600's the plays are impossible for us Americans to understand without notes and commentary which not only explains everything but also gives the historical backgroud of each play. This is what the Cliff Notes do. In addition, it gives a glossary of word meanings for every scene. Extremly helpful!

Such an excellent study tool for everyone, including adults. I am an editor so I am pretty well-versed in this kind of thing, and I recommend CliffsNotes for anyone who wants to understand and explore any piece of litterature.

Super helpful. I use as a reference during review when my next class comes in (they are all on different Acts) so, to get them up to where we read up to, I read a few lines summarizing where we left off.

Great book helped me a lot to understand the play for my English class

A wonderful copy of Hamlet, this product was very useful and insightful. It brought me the second highest grade in class class for each quiz and test. It's only fault is not having the commentary with the actual play

Typical Cliff Notes. Haven't used them for years, but reminded me of things and thoughts that had faded. A few errors suggest the proof reading could/should have been better. A very well constructed booklet.

Exactly as it claims, this short book delivers much information on Hamlet, including a short biography of Shakespeare, a synopsis of the play, a scene-by-scene analysis with a glossary of difficult or obsolete words, character analyses and two brief critical essays.The public targeted is no doubt of high school level and the book is concise, to the point and easy to read.The points of view conveyed are conventional and Hamlet is described as “the perfect play” (page 5). Thus, though it is mentioned that it presents multiple discrepancies, none of the following are discussed:• The Ghost states that poison was poured in his ear while he was asleep and that the effect was immediate (Act I, scene 5); this entails he never woke up; how then can he know who did it?• Though his personality and his actions are more befitting of a teenager, Hamlet is described as being thirty years old (act V, scene 1); how is it that he does not claim the throne for himself? ; how is it that he is still unmarried and a university student?• How come Hamlet is in university anyway? ; the current Prince of Wales is poised to become, in the 21st century, the first British monarch with a bachelor’s degree; why would a Danish royal prince in the 16th century attend university? ; what would he be studying?• In Act IV, scene 5, Claudius asks Horatio to “follow her close” as Ophelia exits; in the same scene, a few minutes later, Ophelia comes back, without Horatio and with a bunch of flowers that she has presumably had time to pick; no comment is made as to Horatio’s lack of care.

Having read Hamlet previously, I simply wanted a summary of each scene, which this does perfectly. Not very critical, but as it does not claim to be I was very pleased with this book.

Good resource

I am going to see a production of Hamlet so wanted to study the play before going. I gave four stars as these notes are fine for a quick understanding of the play and insight into the characters and events surrounding the play, but personally I wanted a little more explanation of the various speeches the characters make which I ended up looking at other resources to get. Overall though it's not a bad little book of notes for a quick understanding of the play for those who don't want or need to enter into an in depth study.