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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... Olivia's desire . Viola , too , appreciates Olivia's quandary . After Malvolio returns the ring that Cesario has supposedly left behind , Viola anguishes over how she has caused another woman such pain : How easy is it for the proper ...
... Olivia insists : " I would you were as I would have you be " ( III , i , 142 ) . A few lines later , she adds : I love thee so , that maugre all thy pride , Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide . Do not extort thy reasons from this ...
... Olivia is told by her gentlewoman , Maria , that Olivia's uncle , the hard - drinking Sir Toby , demands to see her . Olivia , however , has no patience : " Fetch him off , I pray you , he speaks nothing but mad- man ; fie on him ...