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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.
The central conflict arises when four young lovers flee into an enchanted forest, only to become entangled in the chaotic romantic disputes of the fairy king and queen. The protagonist group, consisting of Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius, seeks to escape the rigid social laws of Athens that forbid their chosen unions. They are opposed by the whims of Oberon and Titania, whose magical interference creates a web of mistaken identities and misplaced affections. The narrative framework utilizes a multi-layered structure, shifting between the formal court of Theseus, the wild, unpredictable woods, and the comedic rehearsals of the local craftsmen.
Discussion often centers on the play's balance between the dark, chaotic nature of the forest and the orderly resolution of the Athenian court. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the comedic timing, particularly regarding the character of Bottom and the bumbling actors. Critics often examine the thematic threads of dream-like logic and the fluidity of identity throughout the narrative. The atmosphere is frequently described as whimsical yet grounded in the harsh realities of patriarchal control. This work remains a central point of study for its ability to blend high-minded poetry with low-brow humor.
Page Count:
128
Publication Date:
2001-05-10
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198320205
ISBN-13:
9780198320203