This text provides the student with an appproach to "Hamlet" that aims both to help and to challenge the student. Before reading each scene, the student will have the opportunity to explore ideas or personal experiences similar to those that he/she will read about. The short scene summaries given at the beginning of each scene will help the student to understand plot developments. As the student begins to read the play, they will recognize many of the plot elements, as they are often found in movies and television dramas today. For example, murder, betrayals, friendship, destroyed love, and revenge are all part of "Hamlet."