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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... passion battle most profoundly is Antony and Cleopatra . The very structure of the piece reflects this conflict , as the action moves back and forth from Rome , which represents order and responsibility , to Egypt , which embodies ...
A Thematic Guide Victor L. Cahn. portion the forces of reason and passion share in human nature pervades Shakespeare's plays . The playwright shows human beings at their most noble and eloquent , but also at their most vicious and ...
... passion , 297-98 ; and revenge , 311 ; and Richard III , 276 ; and Romeo and Juliet , 248 ; and Shy- lock , 250-51 ; and tragedy , 117 ; and tragic flaw , 327 , 328 , 329 ; and Twelfth Night , 145 ; and war , 291–92 , 340 , 341-44 ; and ...