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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... suggests that human beings are blind to the nature of our condition , that we fail to appreciate what matters in life and to dismiss what is incidental . With these words , Lear also condemns his own ac- tions and attitudes . In Macbeth ...
... suggests recognition that the universe is ultimately a benign entity . We feel the weight of this belief at the end of virtually every play Shakespeare wrote . In the comedies and romances , the conclusion cus- tomarily involves a ...
... suggests that Antony should be killed along with Caesar , Brutus again demurs : Let's be sacrificers , but not butchers , Caius . We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar , And in the spirit of men there is no blood ... ( II , i ...