Macbeth – Kingship Essay

With detailed reference to the characters of Macbeth, Duncan, Malcolm and Edward in the play Macbeth, analyse William Shakespeares ideas and attributes towards kingship and assess what you think the audiences reaction to the play would be at the time. Shakespeares ideas towards kingship can be seen throughout the play. He shows that a king … Read more

The Tempest, by William Shakespeare

Mowats essay emphasizes Calibans significant role in The Tempest, by William Shakespeare. Calibans character, in relation to Prosperos, expresses the actual relations between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries of settlers and natives, Caliban being the native of the island, and Prospero, the settler. Miranda and Prospero introduce Caliban to the reader as a villain, slave … Read more

Othello And Desdemona

In Shakespeares play Othello, Iago is the antagonist. That is, he is the villain in the play Othello. He is the person who causes an action to occur which affects the other characters in the play. This action may not necessarily be a good thing. Iago is the catalyst for Othellos change. He is the … Read more

Taming Of The Shrew

In Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, one topic that has been debated, interpreted, discussed, reinterpreted and adapted has been the character of Katharine, the shrew, and whether she was tamed, liberated, or just a good enough actress to make everyone think she was in fact, tamed. There are many arguments for and against each of … Read more

Romeo And Juliet Paper

There are three ways that Romeo And Juliet are the same and three ways there are differnt. One way is the groups that they are divied into. Another way there are the same is both of the main charters fall in love. The third way they are the same is the fighting. The three was … Read more

William Shakespeare Biography

William Shakespeare was born in the year of 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His exact birth date is unknown but it is traditionally celebrated on April 23. In England this day is known as the feast of St. George. He was the third of eight children born to John and Mary Arden Shakespeare. John Shakespeare was … Read more

Hamlet’s Tragic Flaw

It is better not to put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Many consequences can arise when one procrastinates. An example of this is found in Shakespeare’s Hamlet through the depiction of the central character. Although Hamlet is characterized as daring, brave, loyal, and intelligent, he is overwhelmed by his own conscience. The … Read more

A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was taken when developing … Read more

Othello Is A Study Into The Potency Of Evil

Discuss this view of the play, paying careful attention to Iago’s motives and destructive achievements (you should concerntrate on Act III Scene III though you will have to relate it to other parts of the play). Potent in its literal sense means powerful. This essay therefore is based on a statement saying that the play … Read more

Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

In Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”, it is clearly evident that the fluctuation in attitude to the dual role and situation and tribulations imposed upon the character of Viola/Cesario ends up in a better understanding of both sexes, and thus, allows Viola to have a better understanding for Orsino. Near the opening of the play, when Viola … Read more

Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing is one of William Shakespeare’s many comedy plays. Much Ado About Nothing differs from most of the other comedies in that it has “naturalized” the romantic materials. There are not any fairy kingdoms, as in Midsummer to help the story flow better. Even the language does not have the quality of … Read more

Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew

In Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, one topic that has been debated, interpreted, discussed, reinterpreted and adapted into different forms has been the character of Katharina, the shrew, and whether she was tamed, liberated, or just a good enough actress to make everyone think she was in fact, tamed. In this essay, I will present … Read more

The Use of Mood in Macbeth

Noah Webster, author of Webster’s Dictionary, defines mood as the “temporary state of the mind in regard to passion or feeling” and “a morbid or fantastic state of mind. ” E. L. Thorndike and Clarence L. Barnhart, authors of Scott, Foresman Advanced Dictionary, define mood as “the overall atmosphere or prevailing emotional aura of a … Read more

Julius Ceaser: Brutus Character Analysis

William Shakespeares play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, is mainly based on the assassination of Julius Caesar. The character who was in charge of the assassination was, ironically, Marcus Brutus, a servant and close friend to Julius Caesar. But what would cause a person to kill a close friend? After examining Brutus relationship to Caesar, … Read more

The Tempest: Magic

The Tempest, written in 1611, was one of William Shakespeare’s last plays. It has a combination of superb characters, interesting settings, and a good plot lineall held together by the running theme of magic, and its ever- present importance. A closer examination of the magic in The Tempest, and the public’s view of magic at … Read more

Imagery In Macbeth

William Shakespeares play, (if indeed he did write it) Macbeth is rife with killing, and is probably only second in bloodiness to his earlier play, Titus Andronicus. Not only is blood a key part of the plot for obvious reasons, it is also an example of imagery, representing several different symbols throughout the play. In … Read more

The Taming of the Shrew

In the Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio recognizes, respects and desires Kate’s intelligence and strength of character. He does not want to conquer or truly tame her. He is a man who is very confident in himself and does not want or need someone to massage his ego. Petruchio seems to me to be a … Read more

Shakespeare And Catholicism

By researching the life and writings of William Shakespeare, it can be shown that many Christian values and beliefs are displayed through his literary works. In order to understand the religious content in Shakespeare’s work it is helpful to first understand what the religious environment in England was like around Shakespeare’s time. England, ever since … Read more

Shakespearean comedies

Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was taken when developing … Read more

Macbeth: Power Is The Paradox

People have a hard time getting what they want; in fact, the things they want can be incompatible with each other. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist is lured to murder the king, Duncan, by the desire for power, an appetite honed by witch’s prophecies and his wife’s encouragement. But when he reaches the kingship, he … Read more

The deaths of Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare wrote many great plays in his day. His tale of Romeo and Juliet portrays a tragic love. This play ends with the deaths of the key characters Romeo and Juliet, because of their forbidden love. Many factors contribute to their demise. The scene of when they first meet, the fight between Tybalt and … Read more

A Midsummer Night’s Dream character, Demetrius

The Underpinning of Demetrius Thesis: A Midsummer Night’s Dream character, Demetrius is very difficult to identify except by his relation to the one he loves, or, more particularly, to the one who loves him. Helena’s ridiculous chasing after him and his irritation with her are the primary marks of his character. While in this uncharmed … Read more

Shakespeare’s tragic hero, Hamlet

Shakespeare’s tragic hero, Hamlet, and his sanity can arguably be discussed. Many portions of the play supports his loss of control in his actions, while other parts uphold his ability of dramatic art. The issue can be discussed both ways and altogether provide significant support to either theory. There are indications from Hamlet throughout the … Read more

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream the mortal teenage characters fall in love foolishly, and the character Bottom states, O what fools these mortals be. They are foolish because they act like children. Although Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena appear grown-up, when they are in love they act foolishly. The four teenage lovers are fools. … Read more

Venus and Adonis

Throughout his plays and poetry Shakespeare imbeds numerous and diverse themes, many of them relating to love, sexuality, life, death, religion and countless others. In his poem Venus and Adonis Shakespeare tackles the theme of sexuality as a representation of love, and a function of Nature. The characters of Venus and Adonis, often times reminiscent … Read more

Shakespearean Comedy

Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of hisplays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was taken when developing the … Read more

Romeo and Juliet: Imagery of Love

Romeo and Juliet: Imagery of Love William Shakespeare’s play, “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,” is the story of two “star crossed” lovers who both meet a tragic end. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy; however, the poetic and vivid manner in which Shakespeare engages the viewer or reader make this a beautiful play. The … Read more

Fear no More By William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare utilizes simplistic language to emphasize the themes in “Fear no more;” however, he exercises complex metaphors to depict the struggles one undergoes during a lifetime and as a result urges the reader to overcome all melancholic sentiments that lead one to oppose a peaceful death. The diction applied in “Fear no more” efficiently … Read more

Hamlet as a madman

Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most analyzed plays. The Danish prince is developed into a mysterious and fascinating man. A philosopher and a fencer, he is a man disgusted with the rottenness of life around him and is obligated to set things right. Under the guise of madness he attempts to achieve his ends; yet … Read more

Women in Shakespeare’s Plays

Women in Shakespeare Often in literature, parallels are used to accentuate certain things. William Shakespeare utilizes this tool in both The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In both of these comedic plays, there is a set of women who are at odds with each other. These relationships can be compared and … Read more

Love in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

In the play twelfth night, Shakespeare covered three types of love : Lust, true love and brotherly love. Love is one of the most confusing and most misunderstood emotions that we as humans posses. Love is an extremely diverse emotion which is why it was used as the main topic in twelfth night. Lust, which … Read more

William Shakespeare and Henrik Ibsen Comparison

William Shakespeare and Henrik Ibsen are two great authors of their time and are still read by many today. William Shakespeare wrote many plays; one that is more well known is Hamlet. Henrik Ibsen is a not so well known author but wrote a great rival play named A Doll’s House. These two plays were … Read more

Othello and Iago – Two of a kind?

When reading Shakespeare’s “Othello the Moor of Venice”, the two main hero’s seem to be very different, both in character and actions. Othello seems to be an honest man who believes other people. He is respected by society for his nobility and bravery. Iago is a villain, plotting around not only against Othello. Othello demotes … Read more

Hamlet Analysis

In Act 1 Scene 5 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ghost of King Hamlet can be portrayed as either, a harsh, mean, and demanding father or a caring, nice, and understanding dad. This depends on how you manipulate the lighting, actions, which includes speech, and other special effects. By manipulating the lighting on the ghost of … Read more

Merchant Of Venice Portia

Portia: Is she the best female Shakespearean part? Portia is one of Shakespeares best parts for an actress and within this play she displays great wit and intelligence. Those are traits that no other female character has ever established. Shakespeare wrote The Merchant Of Venice, between 1595 and 1598 and some of the main characters … Read more

Merchant Of Venice By Shakespeare

In this world, there are many aspects of blindness whether it is mentally or physically. Either way, each blindness brings out the disability in each person. Such portrayal was shown throughout the play The Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare presents more than one form of blindness, which complicates the social order of the society, and I … Read more

The Rebirth Of Shakespear’s Globe

Imagine standing in an octagonal shaped structure, enclosing a roofless inner pit. You are standing on a shell-carpeted floor and in front of you is a projected stage; a theater. Behind you are wooden seats and oak balusters. Have any idea of where you are? You are standing in the pit of Shakespeares famous Globe … Read more

I am not what I am! – Iago in Othello

The Second World War was a many-faceted struggle. Battle lines were drawn on many fronts, but combat was not resolved exclusively by the G. I. on the black sands of Iwo Jima or in the bitter cold of the Ardennes. A sordid array of characters was fighting the war in such little-known places as Korcula … Read more

The Importance of Laertes and Fortinbras in Hamlet

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a story of revenge and the way the characters in the play respond to grief and the demands of loyalty. The importance of Fortinbras and Laertes in the play is an issue much discussed, analyzed and critiqued. Fortinbras and Laertes are parallel characters to Hamlet, and they provide pivotal points on … Read more

Othello: Honest Iago

One of the most interesting and exotic characters in the tragic play Othello, by William Shakespeare, is honest Iago. At first Iago seems to be motiveless. However, the motivation behind his actions lie more in Iago’s quest for personal gain, as opposed to just being evil for evil’s sake. Iago’s greediness can be validated by … Read more

Shakespeare’s Othello

I am not what I am. What is Iago? , as distinct from what he pretends to be, and what are his motives? In Shakespeare’s, Othello, the reader is presented the classic battle between the deceitful forces of evil and the innocence of good. It is these forces of evil that ultimately lead to the … Read more

William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night

In William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, it is ironic how many times the fool is said to be dishonest, when, in fact, his role proves entirely opposite. Though sometimes the characters do not realize his hidden messages, the reader can instantly comprehend Feste’s figurative language, which is evident in every scene in which the fool … Read more

William Shakespeare’s comedy

Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was taken when developing … Read more

The Dehumanization of Shylock in Merchant of Venice

In Susan Pharr’s “The Common Elements of Oppression”, she defines “the other” as the outcast of society, the ones who stand up for what they believe in, no matter how `against the grain’ it may be, the ones who try the hardest to earn acceptance, yet never receive it. In Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”, Shylock, … Read more

Humour In Shakespeare

Shakespeare wrote many plays during his lifetime. Some of his plays have similar comedic characteristics and then other plays are the exact opposite of comedy. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, romance, history, comedy and problem plays all with great success. During the performance of these plays there was no scenery so great time was taken when developing … Read more