Hamlet. Romeo and Juliet -- 21st Century Chinese New Curriculum Standard Required Reading

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); approximately ninety percent of the text in his plays 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 brave. Upon hearing his father's ghost reveal his uncle's murder, usurpation of the throne, and betrayal of his mother (who became the queen after his uncle took the throne), the prince immediately resolves to take decisive action while keeping the matter secret. He first seeks 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 gain or loss, safety or danger, honor or disgrace, he does not concern himself with any of it. Romeo and Juliet is one of the more well-known plays among Shakespeare's thirty-seven poetic dramas, which is perhaps 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 other plays.