Shakespeare - Hamlet (longman, 1968) -
: The practical notes on stagecraft and movement within the text are helpful for early-stage rehearsals.
: Lott breaks down the "rottenness" and "disease" metaphors in Denmark, making the thematic underpinnings easy to spot for a student.
: If you find the original language of Hamlet intimidating, this edition acts as a bridge without stripping away the beauty of the original verse. Shakespeare - Hamlet (Longman, 1968)
: The 1968 guide places a heavy emphasis on Hamlet’s internal psychology, using the "New Swan" pedagogical method to prompt readers with questions rather than just feeding them interpretations. Key Themes Highlighted in This Edition
: It remains a favorite for introductory college courses because of its clarity. : The practical notes on stagecraft and movement
: It doesn't just define words; it often provides a simplified "modern" prose summary of complex passages to help you keep track of the plot's momentum.
: The notes emphasize the tension between Hamlet’s moral code and the social expectation of revenge. : The 1968 guide places a heavy emphasis
: Instead of making you flip to the back of the book, Lott provides detailed explanations of difficult words and phrases on the page immediately facing the text.