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. |
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... Henry IV's family , the Lancasters , perpetually justifying his actions against Richard . Meanwhile , members of the opposing family , the Yorks , seek to establish their own right to the crown through the intricate , yet religiously ...
... Henry concludes his soliloquy with a line that reflects the lives of count- less leaders across the centuries : " Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown " ( III , i , 31 ) . Such obligation affects even Henry's son Henry V. In other ...
... Henry IV , Part 2 : and appearance vs. reality , 14-15 ; and clerics , 25 , 27 ; and commoners , 36-37 ; and divine right , 59 ; and generations , 119 ; and intoxication , 147-49 ; and mortality , 239-41 ; and power , 290–91 Henry IV ( ...