Ms. Faughey

William Shakespeare's Work

William Shakespeare, in terms of his life and his body of work, is the most written-about author in the history of Western civilization. His canon includes 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 epic narrative poems. The First Folio (cover shown at left) was published posthumously. Ever since then, the works of Shakespeare have been studied, analyzed, and enjoyed as some of the finest masterpieces of the English language.

In his time, Shakespeare was the most popular playwright of London. As centuries have passed, his genius eclipses all others of his age—none approach the craft or the humanity of character that marks the Bard's work. He took the art of dramatic verse and honed it to perfection. He created the most vivid characters of the Elizabethan—or any other—stage. His usage of language, both lofty and low, shows a remarkable wit and subtlety. Most importantly, his themes are so universal that they transcend generations to stir the imaginations of audiences everywhere to this day.

His plays generally fall into four categories:
Pre-1594 (Richard III, The Comedy of Errors)
1594-1600 (Henry V, Midsummer Night's Dream)
1600-1608 (Macbeth, King Lear)
Post-1608 (Cymbeline, The Tempest)

The first period has its roots in Roman and medieval drama. The second period showed more growth in style, and the construction becoming less labored. The third period marks the great tragedies, and the principal works which would earn the Bard his fame in later centuries. His tragic figures rival those of Sophocles, and might well have walked off the Greek stage straight onto the Elizabethan. Shakespeare is at his best in these tragedies. The fourth period encompasses romantic tragicomedy. Shakespeare at the end of his career seemed preoccupied with themes of redemption. The writing is more serious yet more lyrical, and the plays show Shakespeare at his most symbolic.

posted by Deirdre Faughey @ 5:11 PM