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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... brother . In this situation , how- ever , because that brother , Geoffrey , had already died , the next in line should have been Arthur , Geoffrey's son , not John , Richard's second- oldest brother . The crux of the drama rests in the ...
... brother's life . In her attempt at persuasion , she poses the matter differently : If He , which is the top of ... brother . Were he my kinsman , brother , or my son , It should be thus with him : he must die to - morrow . ( II , ii , 79 ...
... brother Edward temporarily becomes King , and Richard is named Duke of Gloucester . One lengthy soliloquy communicates his rationali- zation that his deformity legitimizes any destruction he commits , as well as his skill in deceiving ...