In these two unabridged lectures, Elizabeth McNamer gives scholarly glimpses into the most compelling moments of two of Shakespeare's classic plays: Hamlet and Macbeth. Hamlet, because he is given much to philosophizing, fails to act. And this sweet procrastination becomes the downfall of the sweet prince of Denmark. Macbeth, who has murdered his way to the crown, finds there only a murderer's reward. No peace, no love, no honor, no friends. Only curses. This Scottish tale is Shakespeare's most gruesome tragedy.