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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... opening scene mirrors the community state of mind . Antony's oration , however , leaves the crowd constantly off balance . In his opening lines , he stands over Caesar's corpse and seems to accede to the mob's immediate desires : " I ...
... fate take part most profoundly is Macbeth . The brief opening scene with the three witches confirms their concentration on the title character , and from this point on we wonder to what extent Macbeth is a free 66 The Plays of Shakespeare.
... opening scene are a direct result of his personality . His need for flattery is the reason he asks his daughters to declaim publicly the depth of their love for him . His pride is wounded when Cordelia , with seeming perverseness , re ...