Subject
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Political and social views Books
Best books
Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy on Shakespeare: A Critical Essay on Shakespeare
"Tolstoy on Shakespeare: A Critical Essay on Shakespeare" by Leo Tolstoy is a critical essay written in the early 20th century." The essay presents Tolstoy's personal reflections and critiques of Shakespeare's works, particularly focusing on the tragedy "King Lear." Tolstoy challenges the conventional praise for Shakespeare's genius, arguing against the established acclaim and questioning the artistic merits of the plays. "The opening of this essay reveals Tolstoy's initial disappointment with Shakespeare's works, contrary to their widely held reputation." He describes his attempts over many years to engage with Shakespeare's writings, only to feel confusion and aversion, culminating in a strong conviction that the acclaim for Shakespeare is misguided. The opening segment suggests that Tolstoy plans to dissect the elements of "King Lear" to illustrate the perceived flaws and artificiality present in Shakespeare's writing. He sets the stage for a methodical critique that seeks to unearth what he views as Shakespeare's literary shortcomings, preparing readers for an exploration of both the narrative and its characters with the intent to challenge their impact.
C. H. (Charles Harold) Herford
Shakespeare's treatment of love & marriage, and other essays
"Shakespeare's Treatment of Love & Marriage, and Other Essays" by C. H. Herford is a collection of literary essays written in the early 20th century. The book examines Shakespeare's portrayal of love and marriage as a central theme in his works, delving into how his characters reflect ideals of romantic relationships. The text seeks to explore the complexities and nuances of love in Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies while also discussing the influence of various factors on poetic creation. The opening portion introduces the reader to the overarching themes of love and marriage in Shakespeare's plays. Herford emphasizes that Shakespeare displays a preference for "normal" love relationships characterized by a balance of passion, intellect, and morality. He argues that Shakespeare's ideal form of love is one that naturally leads to marriage, contrasting this view with other types of love that can have tragic or comic implications. The essay sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Shakespeare’s characters and their relationships, highlighting the joyful and healthy aspects of love, while hinting at the dramas that arise from misunderstandings and external conflicts that challenge these ideals.
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