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
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... Desdemona , the foundation of the story , is itself based on illusion . Othello affirms this condition when he comments to Brabantio , Desdemona's father , how she fell in love with Othello after his long narrative about his travels ...
... Desdemona is in no way guilty of the infidelity that Othello , thanks to Iago's meddling , comes to believe of her ... Desdemona's faith stands in contrast to the worldly wisdom of her con- fidante , Emilia , who sneers about men : What ...
... Desdemona's father , Brabantio , to explain publically the courtship of Desdemona . In response , Othello tells how he related the essentials of his life : the travels and conquests that lifted him to his place of eminence . He then ...