Hamlet. Romeo and Juliet

Author: Shakespeare
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: Shakespeare's masterpieces are considered treasures of human culture. Throughout his life, Shakespeare wrote thirty-seven poetic dramas (also known as dramatic poems). In his dramatic works, approximately ninety percent of the text was written in iambic pentameter blank verse. Therefore, it differs from prose-based drama. The plot of Hamlet primarily follows the story of the prince, who is young, wise, decisive, and both brave and courageous. Upon hearing the ghost of his father reveal his uncle's murder, usurpation of the throne, and betrayal of his mother (who becomes the queen after his uncle's ascension), the prince resolves to take decisive action while maintaining absolute secrecy. He first sets out to verify the truth of his father's accusations and then devises a plan to punish the evil and clear the dark clouds of corruption in the court. As for his own gains, losses, safety, life, and reputation, he pays no heed. Romeo and Juliet is one of the more well-known plays among Shakespeare's thirty-seven poetic dramas, likely due to the eternal literary theme of love that runs throughout the play. However, it is one of his earlier works and is not considered as mature in terms of character development and writing technique as some of his later plays.