Kenneth Muir Libri

Leading Shakespearean scholars explore various aspects of the bard's life and works in this authoritative introduction to the entire field of Shakespeare studies

Lear, re di Britannia ha tre figlie tra cui vorrebbe dividere il regno, ma Cordelia, la minore, viene diseredata e va sposa al re di Francia. Il regno è diviso tra Gonerilla, moglie del duca d'Albany, e Regana, moglie del duca di Cornovaglia. Le due scacciano il padre dal regno e in sua difesa giunge con l'esercito francese Cordelia che però viene catturata e uccisa per ordine di Edmondo, usurpatore della contea di Gloucester. Lear muore di dolore, Gonerilla, innamorata di Edmondo, uccide la sorella e trama l'assassinio del marito. Scoperta, si uccide e il regno della Britannia sarà del duca d'Albany.

The book explores themes of ambition, power, and guilt through the tragic story of Macbeth. It begins with three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become king, igniting his dark desires. Struggling with his murderous thoughts, he is ultimately spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, leading him to kill King Duncan in his sleep. As Macbeth ascends to the throne, he becomes increasingly paranoid about losing his power, prompting him to murder Banquo, whose ghost haunts him during a banquet. In a desperate search for reassurance, Macbeth consults the witches again, who mislead him into a false sense of security with their cryptic prophecies. However, his downfall is sealed when Macduff, who was born by caesarean section, confronts him. The weight of his actions drives both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to madness and death, leaving a powerful commentary on the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral decay.

This is a critical study of Shakespeare's "King Lear" for "A" level students.

Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It has been chosen by scholars for its importance, highlighting its role in shaping understanding and perspectives within a historical context.

Focusing on the Comedy of Manners, this book explores its origins in English and French literature, distinguishing it from other comedic forms. It features in-depth chapters on key playwrights such as Etherege, Dryden, Wycherly, Congreve, Vanbrugh, and Farquhar, highlighting their contributions to the genre. Additionally, it examines Jeremy Collier's critique of the plays' immorality and profaneness, providing a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and literary context of the period.