The Plays of Shakespeare: A Thematic GuideTouching viewers and readers with his presentation of social, moral, and political issues, Shakespeare holds ageless and unequaled appeal primarily because of the universal themes at the heart of his dramatic works. Shakespeare scholar Victor Cahn takes a unique approach to exploring the plays by identifying and explicating the themes that recur throughout the canon. Written in lively language, each of the 35 essays explores a core theme or topic and discusses its implications in several key plays in which it figures prominently. This user-friendly guide not only allows readers to better understand the significance of concepts such as power, politics, marriage or money; the organization by theme also helps users to compare and contrast these important topics across relevant plays. Cahn draws vivid connections between related works of Shakespeare, but just as importantly, enlightens readers as to the pertinence of these themes in contemporary life. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 18
... Cleopatra , the Queen of Egypt , and therefore has neglected his Roman duties . En- obarbus thus finds himself in ... Cleopatra's court , and even participates with his own coarse remarks : “ Mine , and most of our fortunes to - night ...
... Cleopatra , the physical aspects of love are presented as more comic than romantic . Early on , Antony and his aide , Enobarbus , lounge about , commenting derisively about women's sexual capacity , in particular Cleopatra's : I have ...
... Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra . Indeed , she offers two contrasting pictures , both occurring after the death of Antony and moments before her own suicide . First she reflects on how she will be remembered by the populace : Saucy ...