... in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny," (Shakespeare Prologue Lines 1-3) These are the opening words of William Shakespeare's ageless tale Romeo and Juliet. Over the years many people have proved the timeless relevance of Shakespeare's themes present in this particular play. The film industry in particular has produced numerous versions of Shakespeare ... ever live. Shakespeare had a special gift that enabled him to accurately portray human emotions. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare writes about love emerging in the midst of hatred. ...

• Word Count: 3331
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School

... and power? Some see Henry IV Part One as Shakespeare's own "morality play" - such plays were well-received by medieval audiences. The moral themes of manipulation and exploitation are prominent ones, and ones which present themselves throughout the play in the nature of ulterior motives between supposed friends and ... everything in which Hal, as royal heir to the throne, is not meant to indulge. He is Hal's key to a materialistic world of pleasures of the flesh and gives Hal a new identity as a "mad-cap". However Falstaff, who is involved with criminal activity, relies on Hal's link to...

• Word Count: 2671
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School

... a mad fury of jealousy by Iago, murders Desdemona. The tragedy is further intensified when Iago kills his wife, Emilia, and when Othello kills himself. THEMES Major Theme The major theme of Othello is the destructive power of jealousy. Because Othello is a totally jealous man, he easily falls prey to Iago's ... Roderigo, Emilia, and Othello. Jealousy is truly the fatal flaw of the protagonist, and the entire play revolves around it. Minor Themes One of the minor themes in Othello is that of deception, developed mostly through Iago, who is an arch-deceiver throughout the play. Because he ...

• Word Count: 4125
• Approx Pages: 17
• Grade Level: High School

... the first one of the many of Shakespeare's great tragedies. It is a compelling drama about the success, deceit, and disintegration of a brave but flawed human being. Its diagnosis of evil is as apt today as it was when The King's Men first presented the play. ... Scottish history in Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In writing his play, Shakespeare altered and expanded Holinshed's history, reshaped the personalities, and invented some new characters. The main character in Macbeth, as in other Elizabethan (and Greek) tragedies, is a tragic hero, a person of ...

• Word Count: 2980
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School