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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... Murder of Gonzago , " when Hamlet hopes to trap Claudius by presenting before the King the reenactment of a murder carried out in much the same manner as Claudius's murder of Hamlet's father , the Prince is so outlandish with his ...
... murder that he follows his own instincts and orders a series of murders that are utterly pointless . Is there any sense , then , in which Shakespeare implies that fate rules human action ? Perhaps , if we extend the definition of " fate ...
... murder ! This might be the pate of a politician , which this ass now o'erreaches , one that would circumvent God , might it not ? ( V , i , 75–80 ) Without speaking , the gravedigger suggests to Hamlet images of Clau- dius , who murdered ...