Download or read book The Great Comedies and Tragedies written by William Shakespeare and published by Wordsworth Editions. This book was released on 2005 with total page 900 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The collection of the finest of Shakespeare's plays presents Shakespeare's comedies with introductions by Judith Buchanan and tragedies with introductions by Emma Smith

Download or read book Shakespeare the Uses of Comedy written by Joseph Allen Bryant and published by University Press of Kentucky. This book was released on 1986 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Shakespeare's hand the comic mode became an instrument for exploring the broad territory of the human situation, including much that had normally been reserved for tragedy. Once the reader recognizes that justification for such an assumption is presented repeatedly in the earlier comedies -- from The Comedy of Errors to Twelfth Night -- he has less difficulty in dispensing with the currently fashionable classifications of the later comedies as problem plays and romances or tragicomedies and thus in seeing them all as manifestations of a single impulse. Bryant shows how Shakespeare, early a.

Download or read book The World Must be Peopled written by Michael D. Friedman and published by Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press. This book was released on 2002 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book surveys the impact of these recent productions and suggests additional ways in which a feminist approach to performance might produce theatrical versions of these plays more consistent with their generic features."--BOOK JACKET.

Download or read book Shakespeare the Comedies written by and published by . This book was released on 1965* with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Four Comedies written by William Shakespeare and published by Bantam Classics. This book was released on 2009-08-26 with total page 736 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Taming of the Shrew Robust and bawdy, The Taming of the Shrew captivates audiences with outrageous humor as Katharina, the shrew, engages in a contest of wills–and love–with her bridegroom, Petruchio, in a comedy of unmatched theatrical brilliance, filled with visual gags and witty repartee. A Midsummer Night's Dream Fairy magic, love spells, and an enchanted wood turn the mismatched rivalries of four young lovers into a marvelous mix-up of desire and enchantment, all touched by Shakespeare’s inimitable vision of the intriguing relationship between dreams and the waking world. The Merchant of Venice This dark comedy of love and money contains one of the truly mythic figures in literature–Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. The “pound of flesh” he demands as payment of Antonio’s debt has become a universal metaphor for vengeance. Here, pathos and farce combine with moral complexity and romantic entanglements, to display the extraordinary power and range of Shakespeare at his best. Twelfth Night Set in a topsy-turvy world like a holiday revel, this comedy juxtaposes a romantic plot involving separated twins and mistaken identity with a more satiric one about the humiliation of a pompous killjoy. The hilarity is touched with melancholy, and the play ends, not with laughter, but with a clown’s plaintive song. Each Edition Includes: • Comprehensive explanatory notes • Vivid introductions and the most up-to-date scholarship • Clear, modernized spelling and punctuation, enabling contemporary readers to understand the Elizabethan English • Completely updated, detailed bibliographies and performance histories • An interpretive essay on film adaptations of the play, along with an extensive filmography

Download or read book Shakespeare s World The Comedies written by John Pendergast and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2019-12-02 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With summaries, discussions, and excerpts from primary source documents, this book examines Shakespeare's world through careful consideration of the historical background of four of his comedies. Comedy was popular during the Renaissance, and it was also one of Shakespeare's specialties. The four plays discussed in this book, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night and The Tempest, span Shakespeare's career and remind us that Shakespeare, more than any of his contemporaries, explored the possibilities of comedy, consistently developing new approaches to the genre. Shakespeare was a fairly traditional playwright, well aware of the long tradition of comedy, which dates back to the Greeks and Romans. This book places Shakespeare's comedies in their historical context. It includes dedicated chapters on each of the four comedies, with each chapter providing a plot summary, a discussion of the play's historical background and significance, and excerpts from primary source documents related to the play. An introduction surveys the historical background of the plays, while a timeline chronicles key events that influenced them. Suggestions for further reading direct readers to additional sources of information.

Download or read book The Comedies of William Shakespeare written by Britannica Educational Publishing and published by Britannica Educational Publishing. This book was released on 2012-12-01 with total page 135 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Shakespeare’s time, the term “comedy” did not necessarily denote something funny or amusing. Rather, through such plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice, the playwright examines other defining characteristics of comedic drama—the social interactions of common folks and a focus on the contradictions inherent in everyday life. Readers explore the major themes of Shakespearean comedies, which have enchanted readers and theater-goers alike for centuries.

Download or read book The Evolution of Shakespeare s Comedy written by Larry S. Champion and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 1970 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The evolution of Shakespeare's comedy, in Larry Champion's view, is apparent in the expansion of his comic vision to include a complete reflection of human life while maintaining a comic detachment for the audience. Like the other popular dramatists of Elizabethan England, Shakespeare used the diverse comic motifs and devices which time and custom had proved effective. He went further, however, and created progressively deeper levels of characterization and plot interaction, thereby forming characters who were not merely devices subordinated to the needs of the plot. Shakespeare's development as a comic playwright, suggests Champion, was "consistently in the direction of complexity or depth of characterization." His earliest works, like those of his contemporaries, are essentially situation comedies: the humor arises from action rather than character. There is no significant development of the main characters; instead, they are manipulated into situations which are humorous as a result, for example, of mistaken identity or slapstick confusion. The ensuing phase of Shakespeare's comedy sets forth plots in which the emphasis is on identity rather than physical action, a revelation of character which occurs in one of two forms: either a hypocrite is exposed for what he actually is or a character who has assumed an unnatural or abnormal pose is forced to realize and admit the ridiculousness of his position. In the final comedies involving sin and sacrificial forgiveness, however, character development is concerned with a "transformation of values." Although each of the comedies is discussed, Champion concentrates on nine, dividing them according to the complexity of characterization. He pursues as well the playwright's efforts to achieve for the spectator the detached stance so vital to comedy. Shakespeare obtained this perspective, Champion observes, through experimentation with the use of material mirroring the main action--mockery, parody, or caricature--and through the use of a "comic pointer" who is himself involved in the action but is sufficiently independent of the other characters to provide the audience with an omniscient view.

Download or read book As You Like It written by William Shakespeare and published by 谷月社. This book was released on 2015-07-28 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio, 1623. The play's first performance is uncertain, though a performance at Wilton House in 1603 has been suggested as a possibility. As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches (such as "All the world's a stage" and "A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest"). Jaques provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country. Historically, critical response has varied, with some critics finding the work of lesser quality than other Shakespearean works and some finding the play a work of great merit. The play features one of Shakespeare's most famous and oft-quoted speeches, "All the world's a stage", and is the origin of the phrase "too much of a good thing". The play remains a favourite among audiences and has been adapted for radio, film, and musical theatre. The piece has been a favorite for famous actors on stage and screen, notably Vanessa Redgrave, Juliet Stevenson, Rebecca Hall, Helen Mirren, and Patti LuPone in the role of Rosalind and Alan Rickman, Stephen Spinella, Kevin Kline and Stephen Dillane in the role of Jaques.

Download or read book Shakespeare s World The Comedies written by John Pendergast and published by . This book was released on with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With summaries, discussions, and excerpts from primary source documents, this book examines Shakespeare's world through careful consideration of the historical background of four of his comedies. Comedy was popular during the Renaissance, and it was also one of Shakespeare's specialties. The four plays discussed in this book, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night and The Tempest, span Shakespeare's career and remind us that Shakespeare, more than any of his contemporaries, explored the possibilities of comedy, consistently developing new approaches to the genre. Shakespeare was a fairly traditional playwright, well aware of the long tradition of comedy, which dates back to the Greeks and Romans. This book places Shakespeare's comedies in their historical context. It includes dedicated chapters on each of the four comedies, with each chapter providing a plot summary, a discussion of the play's historical background and significance, and excerpts from primary source documents related to the play. An introduction surveys the historical background of the plays, while a timeline chronicles key events that influenced them. Suggestions for further reading direct readers to additional sources of information.

Download or read book The Comedy of Errors written by William Shakespeare and published by . This book was released on 1904 with total page 94 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Shakespeare and the Traditions of Comedy written by Leo Salingar and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1974 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For students of English and European literature, renaissance studies, comparative literature, drama and classics.

Download or read book Shakespeare the Comedies written by Kenneth Muir and published by MacMillan Publishing Company. This book was released on 1965 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Back Cover: Despite differences between Shakespeare's time and ours in language, in taste, in mores, his comedies still produce that sure sign of success-uninhibited laughter. But, as the critics in this volume ably contend, the world of Shakespearean comedy is made of more than make-believe, quick action, and brilliant repartee. Shakespeare's genius was to probe, delicately but deeply, subtle and enduring characteristics of humanity. Each play is set in a land of its own, yet through these lands move characters recognizable in our own world. The reality of these characters is only enhanced by ethereal creatures of the imagination like Puck and Ariel, who weave about them poetic merriment unsurpassed in comic literature. Among the essays in this volume are: As You Like It / Helen Gardener -- Winter's Tale / Derek Traversi -- Helena / G. Wilson Knight -- Shakespeare's Method: The Merchant of Venice / J. Middleton Murry.

Download or read book The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare s Comedies written by Penny Gay and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2008-04-07 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why did theatre audiences laugh in Shakespeare's day? Why do they still laugh now? What did Shakespeare do with the conventions of comedy that he inherited, so that his plays continue to amuse and move audiences? What do his comedies have to say about love, sex, gender, power, family, community, and class? What place have pain, cruelty, and even death in a comedy? Why all those puns? In a survey that travels from Shakespeare's earliest experiments in farce and courtly love-stories to the great romantic comedies of his middle years and the mould-breaking experiments of his last decade's work, this book addresses these vital questions. Organised thematically, and covering all Shakespeare's comedies from the beginning to the end of his career, it provides readers with a map of the playwright's comic styles, showing how he built on comedic conventions as he further enriched the possibilities of the genre.

Download or read book Three Comedies written by William Shakespeare and published by Simon & Schuster. This book was released on 2023-04-11 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The authoritative edition of Three Comedies from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers. The havoc wrought on lovers by magic in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the furious battle of the sexes waged in The Taming of the Shrew, and a stranded woman finding her way in a man’s world in Twelfth Night—this collection of three of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies is based on the acclaimed individual Folger editions of the plays. The authoritative edition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, and Twelfth Night from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes: Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books -An annotated guide to further reading The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

Download or read book As You Like It written by William Shakespeare and published by Prabhat Prakashan. This book was released on 2021-01-01 with total page 85 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to the enchanting world of "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare, a timeless comedy that celebrates the complexities of love, identity, and the human spirit. Follow the captivating adventures of Rosalind, Orlando, and a colorful cast of characters as they journey through the Forest of Arden in search of love and self-discovery. With its delightful blend of wit, romance, and mistaken identity, "As You Like It" invites readers to revel in the joyous chaos of Shakespearean comedy. Explore themes of love, friendship, and the transformative power of nature as Shakespeare weaves together a tapestry of laughter and longing. From the banter of the lovelorn courtiers to the wisdom of the exiled Duke, each character adds depth and nuance to the vibrant tapestry of the play. Through sparkling dialogue and memorable soliloquies, Shakespeare offers profound insights into the human condition, inviting readers to ponder the nature of love and the pursuit of happiness. With its timeless appeal and universal themes, "As You Like It" continues to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The overall tone of the play is one of mirth and celebration, as Shakespeare celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love. His lyrical language and vivid imagery transport readers to a world of whimsy and wonder, where anything is possible. Critically acclaimed for its wit, charm, and memorable characters, "As You Like It" has earned its place as one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and timeless relevance. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Shakespeare or discovering his work for the first time, "As You Like It" promises to delight and entertain. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Shakespearean comedy. Grab your copy now and immerse yourself in the laughter and romance of "As You Like It."

Download or read book The Shakespeare Requirement written by Julie Schumacher and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2018-08-14 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A WASHINGTON POST NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR • The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune keep hitting beleaguered English professor Jason Fitger right between the eyes in this hilarious and eagerly awaited sequel to the cult classic of anhedonic academe, the Thurber Prize-winning Dear Committee Members. Once more into the breach... Now is the fall of his discontent, as Jason Fitger, newly appointed chair of the English Department of Payne University, takes arms against a sea of troubles, personal and institutional. His ex-wife is sleeping with the dean who must approve whatever modest initiatives he undertakes. The fearsome department secretary Fran clearly runs the show (when not taking in rescue parrots and dogs) and holds plenty of secrets she's not sharing. The lavishly funded Econ Department keeps siphoning off English's meager resources and has taken aim at its remaining office space. And Fitger's attempt to get a mossbacked and antediluvian Shakespeare scholar to retire backfires spectacularly when the press concludes that the Bard is being kicked to the curricular curb. Lord, what fools these mortals be! Julie Schumacher proves the point and makes the most of it in this delicious romp of satire.