Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
20 Shakespeare Children's Stories (Easy Classics) Series
on Goodreads (58)
What’s inside...
Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies. It follows Prince Hamlet of Denmark as he returns home to discover his father has died and his Uncle Claudius is responsible. The play centers on Hamlet's quest for revenge, which ultimately leads to his own demise. Also available as part of a 20 book set by Sweet Cherry Easy Classics, which adapts classic literature for children. Additionally, ReadHowYouWant offers a wide selection of on-demand accessible format editions, optimized for readability using patent-pending technology.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark
Horatio
Ghost Of King Hamlet
Guildenstern
Rosencrantz
Laertes
Lord Polonius
Claudius
Ophelia
Queen Gertrude
Discussion points
What do you think Hamlet feels when he discovers the truth about his father’s death?
Why is it important for Hamlet to talk to the ghost of his father?
How do the actions of the characters show what they truly value?
What choices would you have made if you were in Hamlet's place?
How do the different characters in the story react to challenges, and what can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their dilemmas. This can help develop empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters' decisions to provide a deeper understanding of ethical dilemmas.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences to the situations in the book, which can help them connect personally with the themes and characters.
Use the historical setting of the story to discuss differences and similarities between past and present, fostering a sense of historical perspective.
Explore the themes of loyalty, revenge, and justice in the story and how these themes are relevant today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking
Explanation: Hamlet's journey involves deep introspection and consideration of his actions and the motives of others, showcasing the value of reflection before action.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to analyze situations and think deeply about the consequences of their actions, promoting responsible decision-making in real-life scenarios.
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief and loss
Explanation: The story of Hamlet highlights the emotional turmoil and stages of grief following the loss of his father, which can resonate with anyone who has experienced loss.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that it is normal to experience a range of emotions when losing someone close and learn healthy ways to cope with these feelings.
Example Lesson: The impact of betrayal
Explanation: The theme of betrayal runs deeply through the narrative as Hamlet feels betrayed by his mother and uncle, demonstrating the emotional and psychological impacts of disloyalty.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize the importance of trust and the consequences of betraying someone, aiding in the development of integrity and honesty in their relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of vengeance
Explanation: Hamlet's quest for revenge leads to tragic outcomes, illustrating that vengeance often harms the seeker more than it brings justice.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts and understand the destructive nature of revenge.