Hamlet

Considered one of the most influential works of English drama, this timeless tragedy explores themes of conflicted loyalties, madness, betrayal, and revenge. In this Penguin Shakespeare edition, edited by T.J.B. Spencer and introduced by Alan Sinfield, the story unfolds in Denmark, where young prince Hamlet encounters his father's ghost. The ghost reveals that Hamlet's uncle, King Claudius, murdered him, setting Hamlet on a path of vengeance. As he grapples with his conscience, Hamlet pretends to be mad, which alienates his mother, Queen Gertrude, and his lover, Ophelia. This feigned insanity blurs the lines between reality and madness, leading to chaos for both the guilty and innocent. The edition includes a general introduction to Shakespeare's life and Elizabethan theatre, a specific introduction to the play, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay by Paul Prescott on performance options, and a commentary. Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, authored around 38 plays, many of which are celebrated as exceptional works, alongside a collection of 154 sonnets. If you appreciated this work, you may also enjoy Shakespeare's Macbeth, available in the same series.