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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... response , Othello tries to kill Iago , but only wounds him , and thereafter seeks forgiveness for Othello's own cataclysmic misjudgments : An honorable murderer , if you will ; For nought I did in hate , but all in honor . ( V , ii ...
... response is : " Another Hero ? " ( V , iv , 62 ) . To which she replies : Nothing certainer : One Hero died defil'd , but I do live , And surely as I live , I am a maid . ( V , iv , 62-64 ) We hear nothing more from either of them ...
... response could not be more eloquent : " No cause , no cause " ( V , vii , 74 ) . She has always recognized what Lear has finally learned : that true love does not turn away in the face of error . Here Cordelia echoes one of ...