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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... speak to subjects , and a subject speaks , Stirr'd up by God , thus boldly for his king . ( IV , i , 129-133 ) Even after Richard surrenders his throne without struggle , and internal warfare seems to have been averted , Carlisle speaks ...
... speaks of honor as if it were a magic word that automatically elevated every action to nobility . Saturninus , son of the late Emperor , speaks of honor to Rome ( I , i , 7 , 13 ) ; Marcus speaks of his brother Titus's military and ...
... Give me some little breath , some pause , dear lord , Before I positively speak in this . I will resolve you herein presently . ( IV , ii , 24-26 ) Buckingham speaks as though Richard has offered a suggestion , 275 Politics.