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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... King Claudius , and others in the court exude . Thus to Hamlet , acting is a vehicle for dishonesty . Yet after he greets the company of Players , Hamlet's soliloquy shows that he also believes that theater is a vehicle for revelation ...
... King Claudius has just hurried out of the performance of " The Murder of Gonzago , " which was presented with Hamlet's revisions to suggest that Claudius murdered old Hamlet . Now the King kneels in prayer , seeking forgiveness but ...
A Thematic Guide Victor L. Cahn. ius in Hamlet . The advisor to King Claudius is at times a comic figure , as in his first lines , when he responds to the query about his son Laertes ' plans : H'ath , my lord , wrung from me my slow ...