Subject
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Characters Books
Best books
John Weiss
Wit, Humor, and Shakspeare: Twelve Essays
"Wit, Humor, and Shakspeare: Twelve Essays" by John Weiss is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The book explores various aspects of wit, humor, and the literary works of Shakespeare, delving into how these themes intersect with human experience and understanding. Weiss reflects on how laughter and humor are uniquely human traits, with implications for social interactions and personal reflections. The opening of the collection begins with the essay "The Cause of Laughter," where Weiss examines the nature of laughter, suggesting that it stems from man's unique neurological and social capacities. He discusses the evolutionary origins of laughter and the physical responses associated with it, pointing out how it distinguishes humans from other animals. Through a variety of anecdotes and observations, he also highlights how humor arises from incongruities in life, ultimately connecting these reflections to the works of Shakespeare, who adeptly captures the complexity of human emotions and social dynamics in his writing.
William Hazlitt
Characters of Shakespeare's Plays
"Characters of Shakespeare's Plays" by William Hazlitt is a work of literary criticism published in 1817. This pioneering study examines all thirty-five plays Hazlitt considered genuine, focusing on Shakespeare's characters with psychological insight and memorable observations. Written in reaction to neoclassical criticism, it followed the approach of German critic August Wilhelm Schlegel and helped revolutionize Shakespeare appreciation. Initially acclaimed, then harshly criticized for political reasons, the book later regained recognition as a major Romantic-era interpretation that continues to provoke thought alongside the work of Coleridge.
Henry Norman Hudson
Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I. With An Historical Sketch Of The Origin And Growth Of The Drama In England
"Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I." by Henry Norman Hudson is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life, artistic contributions, and dramatic characters of William Shakespeare, providing an in-depth historical context regarding the evolution of English drama. Hudson explores Shakespeare's heritage, personal life, and his significant influence on literature and theater. The opening of the text introduces the subject matter by emphasizing Shakespeare's renowned status as the preeminent figure in literature. It outlines the scant historical documentation surrounding his life and discusses previous attempts at biographical accounts, highlighting their reliance on traditional materials. Hudson begins to trace Shakespeare’s lineage, detailing the lives of his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, their socioeconomic status, and significant events in their lives that may have shaped Shakespeare's future, including the connections to the burgeoning world of drama in England. This establishes the groundwork for a fuller exploration of Shakespeare's artistic journey and the cultural backdrop against which his works were created.
Thomas Bailey Aldrich
A Midnight Fantasy
"A Midnight Fantasy" by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a work of literary fiction written in the late 19th century. This short story is centered around themes of love and the whimsical nature of fate, exploring the well-known Shakespearean tale of "Romeo and Juliet" through a fresh lens. The narrative intertwines elements of fantasy while reflecting on characters and themes from classic literature. In the story, the protagonist, inspired by a performance of "Romeo and Juliet," wanders the quiet streets of Boston and imagines a world where Hamlet, another of Shakespeare's characters, finds romance in Verona with Juliet. Through a series of contemplative thoughts, he reflects on the tragic outcomes of ill-fated love and ponders how different destinies might unfold. The narrative unfolds as Hamlet travels to Italy, where he meets Juliet at a masquerade ball and eventually woos her, leading to a happier conclusion than the original tragedy. Ultimately, the story highlights the power of imagination and the longing for resolutions that diverge from the original tragic fates of the beloved characters.
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