Porter Scene in Macbeth: Significance and Relevance
Porter Scene in Macbeth is strategically placed between the murder of Duncan and its discovery. The third scene of the second Act is popularly known as the “Porter Scene”, where a drunken porter appears on stage responding to the repeated knocking in Macbeth’s castle. The appearance and words of the porter does take away much […]
Caliban in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”: A Critical Analysis
In “The Tempest”, William Shakespeare draws the character of Caliban with dubious shades. Critics down the ages have responded differently to the portrayal of Caliban. While some have downright dismissed him as a lowly savage, others (especially the post colonial critics) have focused on Caliban as the subjugated victim of colonial domination. Nonetheless, the portrayal […]
Analysing Sonnet 73: “That time of year thou mayst in me behold” by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Sonnet: Introduction Sonnets are invariably personal. Intense subjectivity is found to form a key character in sonnet writing. Regarding the personal character of Shakespeare’s sonnets, there is, no doubt, a host of controversies, yet their subjective notes are neither ignorable nor disputable. In some of them, Shakespeare’s personal moods and feelings are remarkably intense […]
Miranda: Shakespeare’s Portrayal of Pure Innocence in the Tempest
Miranda: Epitome of Purity The character of Miranda is indeed one of the most wonderful creations of Shakespeare. She is a pure child of Nature like Wordsworth’s Lucy, “created of every creature’s best.” She is the only woman character in the play. Her name is the equivalent of ‘the wonderful one’ or ‘the one who […]
Five Memorable Speeches by Shakespeare’s Women
William Shakespeare’s plays show remarkable portrayal of character when it comes to his women. It is often believed that his delineation of women characters surpass his portrayal of male characters. In both comedies and tragedies, Shakespeare’s women leave their mark through their action and speeches. Here are 5 of the most memorable speeches by Shakespeare’s […]
Lady Macbeth: The Fourth Witch?
An article addressing the question ” Is Lady Macbeth the Fourth Witch in Macbeth?”, pointing out how the question is wrong on multiple levels. Are there any witches in Macbeth? The first thing one must remember is that Shakespeare never uses the word “witch” in Macbeth. They are referred to as “weird sisters”. The sisters […]
The Comedy of Errors: Quick Revision
The Comedy of Errors: Synopsis The states of Syracuse and Ephesus were enemies. The law in Ephesus put to death any merchant of Syracuse found in Ephesus unless he paid a thousand marks as ransom for his life. Aegeon, a merchant from Syracuse was found in Ephesus and taken to the Duke for punishment. At […]