Arden of Feversham (c. 1591)
Introduction “Arden of Feversham” was published anonymously in 1592, around the time of Shakespeare’s arrival in London. Its authorship is disputed – it has been attributed variously to Thomas Kyd, Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Watson – but it seems likely that a number of the scenes at the heart of the play are by Shakespeare, […]
Edward III (c. 1595)
Introduction “Edward III” was published anonymously in 1596. The play is likely to be the work of at least two playwrights. Collaboration was nothing unusual in the emerging Elizabethan theatre industry, and one of the hands responsible for “Edward III” was probably Shakespeare, who may have written around four of the play’s eighteen scenes. It’s […]
Othello (1604)
Introduction Dramatic irony – where the audience knows more than one or all of the characters – is an essential element in every type of narrative, from opera to soap opera, and a very familiar feature of real life. It goes without saying that it’s an essential tool in the Shakespearean toolbox, nowhere more prominent […]
Shakespeare’s Sonnets 33 – 48
Sonnets 33 – 48 Sonnet 33 Summary: the poet has experienced ecstatic fulfilment in the past (he reports in the opening quatrain), but now the sun has disappeared and gloomier days are upon him. Even so, he does not blame the object of his affections that he has been let down and betrayed. Note: An […]
Shakespeare’s Sonnets 109 – 126
Shakespeare’s Sonnets 109 – 126 Sonnet 109 Summary: the poet admits he seemed to lose interest in the “fair youth” in absentia. But he will always feel close to him, and always return to “my home of love”. He adds he could never abandon his “sum of good” since no-one else on the planet is […]