The melancholy Dane's grief for his dead father and suspicion of his ambitious uncle drive him to acts of insanity and violence — and to articulate some of the most quoted speeches in the English language. In addition to its gilded rhetoric, Shakespeare's revenge drama offers an enthralling plot, rich character studies, and other psychologically complex aspects that invite and reward closer examination. Shakespeare's most popular play with modern audiences, Hamlet is not only often performed but also frequently adapted and retold. A definitive survey, this Dover Thrift Study Edition offers the drama's complete and unabridged text, plus a comprehensive study guide. Created to help readers gain a thorough understanding of Hamlet's content and context, the guide includes: • Scene-by-scene summaries • Explanations and discussions of the plot • Question-and-answer sections • Shakespeare biography • List of characters and more A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.