The Moral Universe of Shakespeare's Problem PlaysWhat is it that makes Shakespeare’s problem plays problematic? Many critics have sought for the underlying vision or message of these puzzling and disturbing dramas. Originally published in 1987, the key to Viv Thomas’s new synthesis of the plays is the idea of fracture and dissolution in the universe. From the collapse of ‘degree’ in Troilus and Cressida to the corruption at the heart of innocence in Measure for Measure, to the puzzling status of virtue and valour in All’s Well, the most obvious feature of these plays in their capacity to prompt new questions. In a detailed discussion of each play in turn, the author traces the dominant themes that both distinguish and unite them, and provides numerous insights into the sources, background, texture and morality of the plays. |
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... ii. All's Well that Ends Well iii. Measure for Measure 3. The Fractured Universe: Wholeness and Division in Troilus and Cressida 4. Virtue and Honour in All's Well that Ends Well 5. Order and Authority in Measure for Measure 6 ...
... II and VI. The bibliography has not been extended to include articles in order to keep it within reasonable bounds. A number of the most significant articles on the plays are to be found in the Macmillan Casebook series on Troilus and ...
... (II.ii.) the issue is one of value, worth and honour; in All's Well (II.iii.) the critical question relates to human valuation in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic considerations; the debate in Measure for Measure (II.ii.) centres on law ...
... (I.i.95–6)) but has to adjust to a reality that is very different. However, she moves from image to reality without any apparent sense of disillusionment except for one poignant moment (when Bertram refuses to kiss her farewell). It is ...
... II and VII–XI of Homer: Seaven Bookes of the Iliads. (The first instalment was published in 1598.) Shakespeare may ... the second half of the twelfth century, which effectively takes up the story with the departure of Briseida from Troy ...
Contents
Wholeness and Division in Troilus and Cressida | |
Virtue and Honour in Alls Well that Ends Well | |
Order and Authority in Measure for Measure | |
Conclusion | |
Bibliography | |