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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... thee airs from heaven , or blasts from hell , Be thy intents wicked or charitable , Thou com'st in such a questionable shape That I will speak to thee . ( I , iv , 40-44 ) In his desire to do right , Hamlet wonders whether obeying the ...
... thee shall sufffice ; Well learned is that tongue that well can thee commend , All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder ; Which is to me some praise that I thy parts admire . ( IV , ii , 111-114 ) From the beginning of the ...
... thee there . But come what may , I do adore thee so That danger shall seem sport , and I shall go . ( II , i , 44-49 ) The intensity of this attachment appears to be at least partly sexual , and in a play where Viola masks herself as a ...