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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... Macbeth ( well he deserves that name ) , Disdaining Fortune with his brandish'd steel ... ( I , ii , 16–17 ) The implication is clear : Macbeth controls himself . He is not the helpless plaything of outside forces . When the witches do ...
... Macbeth , and lead him down a road toward which he is already inclined to travel . We know from his success in battle that Macbeth is violent and impulsive . When the witches tempt him with promise of the throne , and when Lady Macbeth ...
... Macbeth's attitude toward the witches changes . At the start , he is eager to believe them and fearfully asks them to speak ( I , iii , 47 ) . Indeed , after he congratulates Banquo on the prediction that his children will be kings , ...