The Tempest, Shakespeare's last full play, is a demonstration of the artist's mature powers. In this play he illustrates his ability to fit various elements of life into a single context. It is a play for all seasons, having elements of romance, comedy, fantasy, political intrigue and...

More Joy in Tragedy Tragedy is defined as a drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances. All definitions of tragedy and all tragic...

Hamlet One of the many famous tragic plays written by William Shakespeare includes Hamlet, which depicts the tragic hero suffering from a tragic flaw – inaction. The central theme that runs throughout the play is the problematic nature of action. Throughout the play, the protagonist is c...

Othello, written by William Shakespeare is the story of Othello, the protagonist and tragic hero of the play. A Moor commanding the armies of Venice, he is a celebrated general and heroic figure whose "free and open nature" will enable Iago to twist his love for his wife Desdemona into a powerful ...

"Blow winds, blow/ Blow winds and crack your cheeks," cries King Lear in the infamous storm scene that defines the central image of the play "King Lear," namely the King's madness and utter debasement in the nakedness of the early pre-Christian British wilderness. (3.2) "Where's my serpent o...

The characters of a story are what make up the story, the plot, the themes, the parallels all revolve around them and their condition. In every story, lay or novel, most of the characters go through a certain step-by-step process of self development, illustrated by the themes, which contributes grea...

A Critical Analysis of Hamlet's Character and Motives in Shakespeare's Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark In a tradition of literature and remarkable for its exacting and brilliant achievements, the Elizabethan and early Stuart periods have been said to represent the most brilliant centur...

Shakespeare's Comedy vs. Tragedy Certain parallels can be drawn between William Shakespeare's plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Romeo and Juliet. These parallels concern themes and prototypical Shakespearian character types. Both plays have a distinct pair of lovers, Hermia and Lysander...

King Lear King Lear the aging King of Britain, has decided to step down from the throne and divide his kingdom evenly among his three daughters Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. First he puts his daughters through a sort of test, asking each to tell him just how much each daughter loves him. Gon...

For many centuries people have found theater to be an excellent form of entertainment. The public's appreciation for such entertainment is based upon different theatrical themes. Whether it is a lighthearted comedy, that is most certain to lift anyone's spirits, a passionate romance, that stirs...