To understand why Shakespeare’s works have so often been the subject of controversy, one must first realize that there has been a long standing debate over the actual authorship of the famous Shakespearian works. Some attribute his works to Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, or to Edward De Vere the Earl of Oxford. The prime contender

spelled differently on several different works, it means that a different person wrote each work (Blum 112). Yet there are even problems with the De Vere theory. De Vere died in 1604, yet many Stratfordian scholars date many of the plays to be as late as 1613. However, it is important to point out that no matter who the true author is, the plays will still have the same affect on the lives of those who read them. Despite the authorship “the artistic problem would remain untouched, because that drama remains always the same; Lear laments and imprecates in the same manner, Othello struggles furiously, Hamlet meditates and wavers before the problem of humanity, and the action that he is called upon to take; and in the same manner, all are enwrapped in the veil of Eternity” (Krull 32).

This famous play has always had its share of harsh critics. Harry Rusche of Emory University states that A Midsummer Night’s dream as Shakespeare had originally written it was not immensely popular to begin with. Even as far back as the sixteen hundreds, men were criticizing his works; this time specifically A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In September of 1662, diarist Samuel Pepys went to the King’s Theatre “where we saw ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ which I had never seen before, nor shall ever again, for it is the most insipid ridiculous play that ever I saw in my life.” Pepys did not think the performance was a total waste; he did see “some good dancing and some handsome women” (Marx 55). Perhaps the setting, which included fanciful landscape, fireflies, toadstools, fairies, and elves were all too much for Pepys to take in all at once. Images such as these were contrary to the Christian view of the world. Therefore, this may have been somewhat offensive to Pepys. Or perhaps he merely could not appreciate fine theatre.

works have the power to reach the human soul and spark passion critical thought within the reader or audience member. Shakespeare’s plays have inspired some of the greatest writers of the past centuries such as Herrick and Milton, through the last ballad writers to Thomson and Gray, and then onto Percy and Chatterton and finally culminating in Keats and Coleridge. There is scarcely a person to be found that does not know the name of William Shakespeare. His impact on all cultures in every country is phenomenal, and even though there will always be controversies surrounding his name and works, William Shakespeare will continue to be the most profound writer ever to create a play.

Some Critics have referred to A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Shakespeare’s original wedding play. Most scholars believe that Shakespeare wrote it as a light entertainment to accompany a marriage celebration. Because he did not rely directly upon existing plays, narrative poetry historical chronicles or any other primary source

innocent motive, frees him from guilt, and lets him pursue out of hatred the murderer of the ideal father.” The fact that this murderer is also the husband of his mother makes Claudius into somewhat of a father figure and no longer the ideal parent that a child would take as a model, but as the parent hated because of the place he occupies in the Oedipal triangle (Bates 212). Many productions of Hamlet have included the Oedipus theme as a central part of the play. Some directors strongly believe that Hamlet had a secret desire for his own mother, which only intensified his feelings of revenge and hatred toward Cla

Some topics in this essay:
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