Plays essays

... samples in this category

Essay examples
Essay topics

Measure for Measure': Isabella's Human and Divine Powers

4 Pages 1982 Words
Isabella is the strongest female character in “Measure for Measure.” She debates with Angelo on an equal level and is not undermined by his authority. Her strength as a character derives from several sources; her chastity being one of the most significant. Isabella’s chastity provides her with a tool which most of the other females in this play lack, since...

The History Boys': The Comedy in the Play

3 Pages 1441 Words
Alan Bennett’s The History Boys uses the opposition created between the characters of Hector and Irwin to structure the play and question the education system. The two characters are naturally opposed - in age, teaching style and fundamental beliefs. This creates comedy which is used, perhaps to convey the playwright’s personal beliefs and relay his experience with the ‘Oxbridge’ system....

Measure for Measure': Deep Understanding of Shakespeare's Problematic Play

4 Pages 1814 Words
Throughout the extensive criticism written on Shakespeare plays, the definition of these problematic plays has been a constant topic for debate. Kiernan Ryan suggests critics focus either on these plays all having in inherently ‘political implications’, or a form of deconstructive, or psychoanalytical analysis. Yet the potential for another opinion could still be valid as expressed by critics such as...

Macbeth': Beneficiality of Gender Roles in Society

2 Pages 755 Words
In the Renaissance period, gender roles were one where men and women were assigned specific roles to which society portrays their standards and requirements. The value, social expectations, and personal status differed greatly between the genders. Men were the ruling voice over everyone else. Women had no control over their role in society, and their public reputation was dishonorable and...

Coriolanus': In-Depth-Analysis of the Play

3 Pages 1235 Words
In this play Coriolanus by Shakespeare, Coriolanus' expulsion is the peak of a sequence of incidents in which a few powers have a role, all impelling him to his absolute destruction. As is normal in Shakespearean Tragedy, the legend, at the crest of his accomplishments, falls, because of a lethal blemish in his character. Despite the fact that Coriolanus is...

Coriolanus': The Gendering of Tragedy and Honor

6 Pages 2599 Words
Vengeance, chaos, uncertain honor and untimely death-whether describing the fall from grace of a noble king, impassioned General, or valiant warrior, each arises in the historically based tragedies of William Shakespeare. Coriolanus, Shakespeare’s account of the societal and self destruction of a Roman warrior paragon, proves no exception, depicting the demise that results from any character trait excess, even honor....

Antony and Cleopatra': Cleopatra as a Mere Snippet for a Monarch

2 Pages 1018 Words
Cleopatra, “Egypt’s Queen,” is arguably Shakespeare’s most resilient and enchanting female protagonist. She is personified as the embodiment of her country, ‘the soul of Egypt’, and defies the reductive Jacobean “most monster-like” perspective of women. The Renaissance stereotype of the subordinate and inferior female is in total juxtaposition to the possessive and shrewd characteristics that Cleopatra possesses, as she is...

Troilus and Cressida' as a Problem Play

4 Pages 2038 Words
A problem play is a play in which the playwright portrays the social, political and economic problems of the society he lives in. The problem play is a development form of the ‘drama of ideas' (Drama of ideas is a type of discussion play in which the most acute problems of social and personal morality is revealed). It is tragic...

Blindness and Ignorance Vs Sight and the Truth in Oedipus

3 Pages 1253 Words
''We are only as blind as we want to be -Maya Angelou. There are a variety of connotations to the phrase ''blind. Some people tend to view blindness as a physical disability that resembles inferiority. Others believe that blindness defines ignorance as one is unaware of their surroundings or actions. However, the public's attitudes towards blindness are misconceptions as even...

Oedipus the King': A Critical Summary

1 Page 552 Words
In the beginning, I want to introduce the background information about this play. First, the name of this filmed performance is 'Oedipus the King' It is written by Sophocles, the most famous playwright of ancient Greece. He is one of the three tragic writers in Athens. He not only believes in the supreme power of God and destiny but also...

Coriolanus 'Asks for Voices' scene: film vs text

3 Pages 1464 Words
Despite the adaptation of a text to film benefiting from the opportunities and abilities bestowed to a director through the visual aspect of the medium, narrative complexity and depth of literary themes almost inevitably suffer a condensation. Ralph Fiennes’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Coriolanus is not immune to this trend, with temporal constraints forcing Fiennes to focus upon thematic elements...

Comedic Elements in Shakespeare's Hamlet

2 Pages 962 Words
Introduction William Shakespeare's Hamlet is often lauded as a quintessential tragedy that explores themes of revenge, madness, and existential despair. However, intertwined with its somber narrative are distinct elements of comedy that serve to enrich the text and provide a multifaceted reading experience. In a play where the tragic elements are dominant, the occasional humor may seem out of place,...

Resisting Social Pressure in Shakespeare and Austen's Works

4 Pages 1710 Words
French sociologist Émile Durkheim believes “Social factors are not only external to the individual but are, moreover, endowed with coercive power, by virtue of which one impose themselves upon”. However, while individuals arise from social interactions and relationships, beliefs, values, and moral obligations may appear as matters of personal will. In Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the star-crossed lovers are hindered...

The Dynamics of Identity in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'

2 Pages 1072 Words
Introduction William Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' is a compelling exploration of identity, transformation, and the human experience. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic Forest of Arden, the play delves into themes of love, pastoral life, and the fluidity of human identity. Written in the late 16th century, this pastoral comedy continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters...

Comparison of Shakespeare’s Rosalind and Viola in 'As You Like It'

3 Pages 1337 Words
Rosalind and Viola are seen as a dominant and independent figure in Shakespeare’s plays. Because, each exemplifies the power and intelligence to confront other characters with their gender-based disguises. They use their disguises as a way to take control of the romantic aspects in their lives, and they engage into different roles with the ability to defy the constraints that...

The Desires Of Appearance Vs Reality

3 Pages 1347 Words
When an individual desire to achieve something, they’re willing to go to extreme measures to accomplish their goal”- Chanté Blake. In doing so, trials and tribulations may come aboard however, that doesn’t hinder them from executing their initial plans. Your strive to accomplish something can come from many sources, for example, an influence from others or your passion to accomplish...

Lovelock's Gaia Hypothesis in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'

5 Pages 2098 Words
The term ‘Gaia’ owes its origin from James Lovelock's contention that the Earth's self-regulating system itself create a sustainable life to co-exist on the planet and it is hereby, this principle of self-regulation that decides the fate of life to exist on other planets. According to James Lovelock, Gaia constitutes “a complex entity involving the Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and...

Analyzing "To Be or not to Be" in Multicultural Society

2 Pages 1088 Words
To be or not to be The multicultural society denotes all the different ethnic groups that coexist in one society. Individuals in a multicultural society can often come across an overwhelming challenge, which is finding their own identity and personal individuality. Finding yourself among millions of different identities may give you superpower. Therefore, self-acceptance and self-recognition are both universal issues...

Discursive essay on Shakespearean Comedy: Analysis of As You Like It

6 Pages 2841 Words
Historical context During the time of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I was ruling England. The era lasted between the years 1558 – 1603. Christianity was important in Europe. It was divided into two groups –“Catholics and Protestants – of dramatically opposing beliefs” (“Elizabethan Era”). Queen Elizabeth was a Protestant, but was allowed to also practice Catholicism. There were deep tensions between...

Shakespeare's Homicide in Titus and Juliet

6 Pages 2513 Words
William Shakespeare has written many plays, sonnets, and mostly all of them include children. Some of them mercilessly die, and some simply pay for the mistakes of their parents, but why there is not always a happy end? Why children are supposed to die? In early modern England the mortality of infant and children was very high due to many...

John Proctor and Macbeth: Comparative Analysis

2 Pages 1093 Words
John Proctor, from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and Macbeth, from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, are two main characters that show obvious similarities with each other. Both characters show the negative impact of witchcraft in their lives, the reputation they have within the community, and their tragic flaws. While the similarities may be true, they contrast and show evident differences. To begin...

Manhood and Challenge of Being a Man: Analysis of Shakespeare’s Macbeth

3 Pages 1244 Words
I’m a man, Shakespeare said so Alexander Sheffield on outdated ideas of masculinity that we are taught wrong from the start. School, the so-called learning part of our lives, well why are we still being exposed to and taught wrong ideas of important concepts? In 1980, 91% of united state school were teaching Shakespeare and today they are continuing to...
like 124

How Does Lady Macbeth Manipulate Macbeth?

1 Page 616 Words
Reviewed double_ok
How manipulation is portrayed and its role and impact to the plot. As Lady Macbeth and her husband plot to kill King Duncan, she tells him to “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it”. Her command, though subtle, represents the recurring theme of manipulation, which can be seen throughout the play. It is explored through a...

Free Will in Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, and The Guest

3 Pages 1455 Words
Is there free will in the human life? In the short stories Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and “The Guest” by Albert Camus portrays how the exercise of free will leads to downfall. By the ideas of a higher superior, Oedipus, Macbeth, and the Arab in The Guest are able to independently decide their...

Join our 150k of happy users

  • Get original paper written according to your instructions
  • Save time for what matters most
Place an order

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via support@edubirdie.com.

Check it out!