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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... themes , however , are traditional ones for artists , such as " Generations , " " Mortality , " and " War . " Each theme is developed with focus on how the subtlety of the characters ' psychology is revealed through their specific ...
... theme arises : in The Two Gentlemen of Verona , The Merchant of Venice , and Cymbeline , to name three more . In such cases , we find ourselves speculating about Shakespeare's vision of the causes of sexual attraction , the meaning of ...
... 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 ...