Author Description
The Oxford School Shakespeare has become the preferred introduction to the literary legacy of the greatest playwright in the English language. This exclusive collection of the Bard's best works has been designed specifically for readers new to Shakespeare's rich literary legacy. Each play is presented complete and unabridged, in large print. Every book is well illustrated, and starts with a commentary and character summary. Scene synopses and character summaries clarify confusing plots, while incisive essays explore the historical context and Shakespeare's sources. Each book ends with a complete list of Shakespeare's plays and a brief chronology of the Bard's life. The detailed explanatory notes are written clearly and positioned right next to the text--no more squinting at microscopic footnotes or flipping pages back and forth in search of endnotes!The new edition of the series features new covers and new illustrations, including both new drawings and photos from recent productions of Shakespeare's plays around the globe. In addition, the notes and the introductory material have been completely revised in line with new research and in order to make them clearer and more accessible. Finally, the entire text has been redesigned and reset to enhance readability. The new edition achieves the feat of unprecedented clarity of presentation without any cuts to the original text or the detailed explanations.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The Duke of Vienna delegates his authority to the rigid Angelo, who immediately enforces long-neglected moral laws, leading to the sentencing of Claudio for fornication. The protagonist, Isabella, a novice nun, must navigate a complex moral dilemma when she is forced to plead for her brother's life before the very man who condemned him. Opposing her is the hypocritical Angelo, whose sudden lust for Isabella creates a web of corruption and manipulation. The narrative unfolds through a series of dramatic confrontations and disguises, as the Duke observes the chaos from the shadows to test the integrity of his subjects.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Exploration of moral hypocrisy and the abuse of political power
- Use of the 'bed trick' as a pivotal plot device
- Examination of the tension between justice and mercy
- Complex character development of the virtuous Isabella
- Satirical portrayal of Viennese low-life characters
- Dramatic irony utilized through the Duke's secret surveillance
- Philosophical debates regarding sexual morality and law
- Resolution involving multiple marriages and public judgment
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Discussion often centers on the play's classification as a 'problem play' due to its jarring shifts between dark psychological drama and comedic resolution. Readers frequently highlight the moral ambiguity of the characters, particularly the Duke and Angelo, which complicates traditional interpretations of justice. Critics often examine the play's relevance to contemporary debates regarding the intersection of private morality and public governance. The atmosphere is noted for its intensity and intellectual rigor, providing a dense experience that invites repeated analysis of its ethical dilemmas. Many readers find the resolution challenging, as it forces a confrontation with the limitations of legalistic approaches to human behavior.
Page Count:
138
Publication Date:
2004-04-08
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198320108
ISBN-13:
9780198320104
Drama
Renaissance
Comedy
Plays
classic
Dramatic works
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