Bardology

Macbeth (1606)

When Norway invades Scotland, Macbeth’s bravery in battle saves King Duncan’s crown. Returning from the battlefield, Macbeth encounters three witches, who prophesy that one day the crown will be his.

Duncan meanwhile has promoted him, and arranged to stay at his castle. But Lady Macbeth, hearing the witches’ prophecy, resolves that Duncan must be killed.

Macbeth commits the murder and seizes the crown but does not find contentment. Further murders of former friends and their families isolate him further, as does his wife’s death. Angry, disillusioned and alone, Macbeth is finally defeated by armies loyal to Duncan’s son Malcolm.

Measure for Measure (1604)

Vincentio tells his deputy Angelo he’s going abroad, so he’s transferring his duties as Duke of Vienna. But in fact he’s going undercover, to reflect on how Vienna’s governed.

Vincentio believes the state has tough laws but doesn’t use them enough. Angelo agrees – and arrests Claudio for sex outside marriage: a capital offence.

Claudio’s sister Isabella begs Angelo to release her brother, and he agrees – if she will sleep with him. Vincentio suggests Mariana take her place.

When Vincentio reveals his disguise, Angelo accepts whatever punishment is coming. But he is forgiven and marries Mariana, while Vincentio proposes to Isabella.

The Merchant of Venice (1598)

Antonio lends Bassanio the money to pursue Portia – though he must borrow it himself. But he’ll soon repay, once his ships return.

Shylock won’t fraternise with him, but he’ll lend him the money, subject to his forfeit, the pound of flesh.

In Belmont, Portia’s suitors are confronted with a challenge – to choose between three locked caskets. Bassanio chooses right, and wins the prize, but Antonio’s ships have foundered and the pound of flesh is due.

Portia travels to Venice disguised as a lawyer and brilliantly wins the case, before returning to Belmont to reveal the secret of her trip.

The Merry Wives of Windsor (1600)

Falstaff arrives in Windsor intent on romance, and two married ladies catch his eye. But neither is likely to prove susceptible to the charms of “the fat knight”.

Meanwhile the wealthy Anne Page is plagued with suitors. Her father prefers Slender, her mother Dr Caius, and Anne herself favours Fenton.

The two married ladies conspire to toy with Falstaff, first tipping him into the Thames, then lining up an unnerving midnight rendezvous in the forest.

When the moment comes, Falstaff is given the fright of his life, and Anne emerges to reveal to all that she means to marry Fenton.

Summaries

Macbeth (1606)

Measure for Measure (1604)

The Merchant of Venice (1598)

The Merry Wives of Windsor (1600)

Bardology

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A Stratford Childhood and After

Elizabethan Shakespeare (1)

Elizabethan Shakespeare (2)

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Bardology

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