For many, "The Tempest" constitutes Shakespeare's farewell to the stage. It seems to foreshadow a powerful movement of retreat, and it stands as one of the most evocative and moving explorations of human possibilities and limits. Contains a selection of criticism through the centuries on "The Tempest", as well as a biography of Shakespeare.
Provides a plot synopsis, list of characters, and analysis of several key passages, and a selection of the best criticism on Othello through the centuries.
One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, the loving "battle of the sexes" between its protagonists, Kate and Petruchio, is a theme of nearly universal relevance in Western literature. Also includes a biography of Shakespeare.
Several themes are presented within the framework of a traditional comedy that calls for the triumph of young lovers over their unromantic elders. Contains a selection of the finest criticism through the centuries on "The Merchant of Venice", as well as a biography of Shakespeare.