Publisher's Synopsis
SHAKESPEARE IS FOR EVERYONE What was Hamlet's religion? Why did Othello believe Iago? Was Lear really more sinned against than sinning? Do you know a little about William Shakespeare - his characters, plots and language - but want to enjoy and appreciate his work more? Do you think Shakespeare is difficult or daunting, or just not for you? If so - 'O, let my book be then the eloquence...' to show you how wonderful and inspiring Shakespeare truly is. Thought-provoking and provocative about what Shakespeare wrote and why, 'Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty' explores the major themes and experiences of his life and times: religion and beliefs; kingship and rule; love and desire; and family bonds and relationships. His views on these subjects found a sublime voice in his work: "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty" - are Hamlet's words that could easily describe his own creator. Shakespeare is for everyone - because everyone is in his plays and poems, just as much today as when he wrote them four centuries ago. William Shakespeare is perennially popular, but the 450th anniversary of his birth in 2014, and the 400th anniversary of his death in 2016, have both lead to an unprecedented interest in his life and works. There are many people with a little knowledge of Shakespeare who would like to know more - perhaps to improve their understanding and enjoyment before they go to a performance. 'Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty' offers an insight into the major themes the audience or reader will encounter in Shakespeare, put into the context in which they were written and first performed. 'Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty' aims to show how Shakespeare is accessible to, and enjoyable for everyone, and it employs a liberal use of quotations throughout to highlight the beauty and power of Shakespeare's language and wordplay. Each chapter can be read as a stand-alone reference to its particular topic; all explore plot, character development, language and literary devices used, and engage the reader into thinking in more depth about what they have seen on stage and read on the page. Bridging the gap between books on Shakespeare for complete beginners, and highly academic titles, 'Noble In Mind, Infinite In Faculty' has a smooth narrative flow, is written in clear language, and eschews the dryness and overly-technical approach of many academic literary critiques. This above all - 'Noble In Reason, Infinite In Faculty' aims to show and celebrate the piece of work that is William Shakespeare.
