Hamlet faces a whole host of problems, which cause him to feel hopeless, inadequate, guilty, suicidal and sad. Yet audiences and readers don’t get depressed by the play, because of the character of Hamlet, so brilliant, witty, and in control, even as his life is going out of control.

Each of Shakespeare’s plays - in addition to the beauty of the language, the memorable characters, and the excitement of the plot - concentrates on one or more everyday human problem. But Hamlet faces almost every conflict and loss that can befall a young man. His father has died; his mother has married an inferior man who prevents Hamlet from returning to university. Hamlet’s own love life has fallen apart; two of his school friends are spying on him; and his dead father returns as a ghost, commanding Hamlet to avenge his murder. It’s enough to drive a man mad, or to suicide: both of which Hamlet contemplates, but ultimately declines.

Because the play is long and densely packed with imagery, ideas, and events, students can get lost and lose interest. A Taste of Shakespeare: Hamlet lasts thirty-seven minutes. Students get to enjoy a sample of Shakespeare’s language and action-packed plot; they understand what the play is about, and have grappled with some of the main conflicts. Now,they are ready to study the text, see a full-length production, and work on acting out some scenes themselves.