![]() Studying Shakespeare is easy with CliffsNotes. Ace your tests, get homework help, and understand Shakespeare's plays and poetry with FREE CliffsNotes summaries, character analyses, glossaries, quotes, essays, filmography, and more. Read Shakespeare's biography; explore themes, symbols, and motifs; and check out our Ask Cliff Q&A. Save time with CliffsNotes.com Shakespeare Central!
Shakespeare Biography: His Life and TimesWilliam Shakespeare (1564-1616) is considered to be the greatest writer in the history of English literature. His genius produced the world's most-often produced and published plays , including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and more than 32 others.
Featured EssayShakespeare's TragedyThe dramatic form of classical tragedy derives from the tragic plays of ancient Athens, which depicted the downfall of a hero or famous character of Greek legend. The hero would struggle against overwhelming fate, and his defeat would be so noble that he wins the moral victory over the forces that destroy him. A tragedy evoked pity and terror in the audience; it was a catharsis, or washing clean of the soul, which left the spectator trembling but purified.
Shakespeare Quotes
Check out the most familiar quotes from Shakespeare's plays.
Shakespeare Glossaries
View a list of glossaries providing definitions for unfamiliar words and phrases in Shakespeare's works.
Films Based on Shakespeare's Works
View a list of the most noteworthy Shakespeare films.
Essays on Shakespeare's Works
Check out a sampling of essays from CliffsNotes.com that illuminate Shakespeare's works.
Cliff is in the know when it comes to Shakespeare! What are the renaissance features/characteristics in Hamlet? The word renaissance literally means "rebirth." In the context of the English Renaissance, this rebirth refers to a renewal of learning . . . More
More Ways to Get Up to Speed on the Bard! |
|