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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... Queen of the Amazons who is betrothed to Theseus , says of the tormented Pyramus , “ Beshrew my heart , but I pity the man " ( V , i , 290 ) . Her words move us , because we who have been watching the antics of the four lovers , Hermia ...
... Queen : But what might you think , When I had seen this hot love on the wing— As I perceiv'd it ( I must tell you that ) Before my daughter told me - what might you , Or my dear Majesty your queen here , think , If I had play'd the deck ...
... Queen of the fairies , initially quarrel over possession of the changeling boy , then reconcile . This cou- pling is also set against the royal marriage between Duke Theseus and Queen Hipployta . Thus at all levels of the story , we are ...