From a good soldier, he turns into a bad king. He becomes a man who believes the transparent lies of the witches who, along with the urging of his ambitious wife, motivated him to commit the murder of King Duncan. Hamlet: Hamlet's depressed and uncompromising nature resonates with anyone who has ever been an adolescent. Hamlet is intensely critical of aspects of his society others take for granted, such as King Claudius' right to marry his brother's widow and Old Hamlet's suspect death. Hamlet's criticism can be harsh, and misogynistic as well as misanthropic, but he is an inspiring example for young readers. He urges readers and playgoers today to continually question the morality of their elders...

Hester Prynne is honest, and has committed only one 'crime' -- betraying her cold, elderly husband. However, the father of her illegitimate daughter seems like a pure man of the cloth but is too cowardly to honor his commitment to little Pearl. Until he speaks out, the Puritan elders condemn Hester to wear a shameful letter A for adultery, while the Reverend Dimmesdale exists in the community, without censure -- except for what he feels in his own heart.