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Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth: New Penguin Shakespeare Library

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Published in Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures On Hamlet Othello King Lear And Macbeth (New Penguin Shakespeare Library)

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By Harold Bloom

Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth (New Penguin Shakespeare Library)

by Fred Ray Lybrand

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2376 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	484 pages

These lectures offer a comprehensive analysis of four of Shakespeare's most iconic plays: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. Harold Bloom, a renowned Shakespearean scholar, provides insightful commentary on the plays' characters, themes, and language, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless works.

Hamlet

Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest and most complex play. It is a tragedy that explores the themes of madness, revenge, and mortality. Bloom argues that Hamlet is a deeply flawed character, but he is also a brilliant and passionate man. He is torn between his desire for revenge and his moral scruples. Bloom also discusses the play's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy, arguing that it is a meditation on the meaning of life and death.

Othello

Othello is a tragedy that explores the themes of racism, jealousy, and betrayal. Bloom argues that Othello is a noble and tragic figure who is destroyed by his own jealousy. He is also a victim of racism, as he is constantly reminded of his outsider status. Bloom also discusses the play's famous "Willow Song," arguing that it is a beautiful and haunting lament for lost love.

King Lear

King Lear is a tragedy that explores the themes of family, power, and madness. Bloom argues that King Lear is a complex and contradictory character. He is a loving father, but he is also a proud and stubborn man. He is ultimately destroyed by his own pride and folly. Bloom also discusses the play's famous "Storm Scene," arguing that it is one of the most powerful and moving scenes in all of Shakespeare.

Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy that explores the themes of ambition, guilt, and violence. Bloom argues that Macbeth is a deeply ambitious man who is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He is also a victim of his own guilt, as he is haunted by the memory of his crimes. Bloom also discusses the play's famous "Sleepwalking Scene," arguing that it is a powerful and haunting depiction of a guilty conscience.

These lectures offer a comprehensive and insightful analysis of four of Shakespeare's most iconic plays. Bloom's commentary is both erudite and accessible, making these lectures a valuable resource for students and scholars of Shakespeare alike. Whether you are a seasoned Shakespearean or a newcomer to the Bard's works, these lectures will provide you with a fresh perspective on these timeless plays.

Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth (New Penguin Shakespeare Library)

by Fred Ray Lybrand

4.7 out of 5