revenge in literature

A study guide to "Hamlet," Shakespeare's tale of murder and revenge, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

Defines conventional attitudes toward revenge in Shakespeare's day; and features an analysis of "Hamlet" which focuses on the question of whether the character Hamlet was obligated to obey the demands of the ghost to seek revenge.

Uses literature and case studies to chronicle the historic shift in the philosophy of punishing wrongdoers and examines the continuing tension between the desire for personal vengeance and public interest in lawfulness.