The X-kit Achieve! Literature series offers a unique series of visually attractive, high-quality exam preparation tools. The series has been written by top South African educationalists. The books cover all the knowledge and skills tested in the final English Home Language and First Additional Language literature exams for the FET phase.
Plot, theme, character, style, symbolism and imagery are all discussed in detail, and thoroughly taught and tested. Study and exam preparation techniques are covered and exam questions provided. Answers are also provided for all the questions to allow learners to monitor their own understanding.
This study guide aims to provide you with sufficient support for doing really well in your Grade 12 English examination. This study guide will provide:
• All the background information needed for a full understanding of Hamlet;
• Summaries, including a précis of the whole play, plus details of acts and scenes;
• Important quotes for use in exams;
• An analysis of the play that will help you understand the plot and develop insight and appreciation;
• Pointers about the characters for quick and easy revision;
• A summary of the key themes;
• Comprehensive exam preparation assistance, including test-yourself questions, sample contextual questions and full answers; and
• A glossary explaining literature terminology.
About the playwright, William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is widely considered to be the greatest writer in the English language. In total, he wrote 38 plays and 154 sonnets. Although Shakespeare is recognised as one of literature’s greatest influences, we actually know very little about him. The information we do have about his life comes from court records, wills, marriage certificates and his tombstone.
Hamlet is a tragedy set in Denmark a long time ago. In a tragedy, the flaws of the main character lead to their downfall. A well written tragedy makes the audience respond with empathy for the hero. We understand how they were misled by their own character to do something that led to their downfall and we realise that we can make mistakes like that in our own lives.
Hamlet is based on a twelfth-century story about Prince Amleth, who is determined to avenge his father, who was murdered by his own brother. The atmospheric opening scene of Hamlet is set on the battlements of the castle of Elsinore in Denmark. This scene sets the tone for much of the play: it is cold and dark, a sentry is ‘sick at heart’, there are reports of eerie disturbances in the heavens and of impending war with Norway, and a restless spirit is abroad – it is no wonder that all the guards are on edge!
This eBook is in ePDF format, which enables you to:
• View the entire book offline on desktop or tablet;
• Search for and highlight text; and
• Add and edit personal notes directly in your eBook.
