Essay on William Shakespeare

  • William Shakespeare 's ' Macbeth '

    William J Bennett Professor Bishop Intro to Theatre 16 November 2015 Research Paper #2: William Shakespeare William Shakespeare has paved the way with memorable plays and poems. He is most known for the plays, Macbeth (1623), Hamlet (1603), and Romeo and Juliet (1597). Shakespeare was one my favorite playwrights. I admire how he uses Early Modern and Modern English in his plays. Born in April of 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom, William Shakespeare was the third child of John Shakespeare

    Words: 1740 - Pages: 7
  • Macbeth, By William Shakespeare

    does not have an end-point or objective behind it will only continue to cultivate further as it succeeds and, soon enough, will refuse to come to a halt. It was a concept that was exemplified superbly by the massively popular English dramatist William Shakespeare in his grisliest and most ominous play, Macbeth, in which a prophecy from three witches and immoral motivation combine to produce disastrous results for all the characters involved. The plot revolves around Macbeth, the main character, desires

    Words: 1453 - Pages: 6
  • William Shakespeare Biography

    was Shakespeare Biography? Who was William Shakespeare? Where was he born? Where did he go to school? How did William Shakespeare live his life from the beginning to the ending? William Shakespeare’s life became a great mystery with lack of evidence to support any findings. His schooling, his family and parents will be revealed in my paper. Who were William Shakespeare’s parents? The parents of Mr. Shakespeare were John Shakespeare and Mary Arden Shakespeare. Mary Arden married William Shakespeare

    Words: 1675 - Pages: 7
  • Essay on Hamlet, by William Shakespeare

    Everyone has lied at one point or another in their life. Whether it is a small white lie about an outfit’s mishaps or something that ruined a relationship, lying or hiding the truth is a universal theme that everyone could relate to. In Hamlet, William Shakespeare uses the theme of deception to develop characters and cause their ultimate downfall in the play. Deception is not only woven in the plot but also portrays through the characters’ action and personality, such as Claudius, Polonius, and Hamlet

    Words: 1179 - Pages: 5
  • William Shakespeare Biography Essay

    William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564. No one is absolutely sure when he was actually born. It is guessed that he was born on April 21 or April 23, 1564 since children were usually baptized a few days after they were born. He could have been born April 22 & died April 22 or 23, 1616. William Shakespeare was quite possibly both born & passed on Jeremaya Silvah’s birthday. My birthday is coincidentally April 22. Could be an interesting past life connection with symbology of the

    Words: 1209 - Pages: 5
  • William Shakespeare 's ' Hamlet '

    Over the years, William Shakespeare has amassed much fame for his well known work, Hamlet. In this tragedy a young man takes on the task of avenging his father’s death. However, despite the countless renditions and remakes of this timeless classic, the play is constantly under inspection for its true underlying message. Living under the strain of his uncle’s betrayal, revenge grows inside Hamlet to such an immensity there is no going back. Nevertheless, the consuming nature of revenge causes the

    Words: 1390 - Pages: 6
  • Othello, By William Shakespeare

    In the William Shakespeare poem Othello, the story is focused on a group of people living in Venice. The main character Othello is a well-liked man by almost everyone there, except for Iago. Throughout the story, Iago is plotting revenge against Othello, while flourishing on jealousy and anger towards him. Iago’s selfish actions throughout the story result in ruined relationships with himself and others, especially with his wife Emelia. After much manipulation, lies, and violence, the story ends

    Words: 1430 - Pages: 6
  • The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare’s tragedy plays fascinate readers by highlighting characters’ flaws that lead them to their downfall even today. In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare demonstration of the characters’ flaws makes individuals victims of their own. According to Aristotle, “Men were full of self-control and were, therefore, responsible for their own actions. It was the tragic heroes’ own actions, then, that brought about the chaos and tragic events” (“Aristotle’s Poetics”). In Shakespeare tragic

    Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
  • The Crucible And Macbeth By William Shakespeare

    play. The Crucible and Macbeth have many similarities in terms of characters and themes. Firstly, in Macbeth they had Lady Macbeth who was very manipulative she was very similar to Abigail Williams who was very manipulative as well. Secondly, in both plays men dominate women. Finally, Lady Macbeth and Abigail Williams both ran away towards the end of the play due to too much guilt. To begin with, many characters in both The Crucible and Macbeth showed many admirable traits and less than admirable traits

    Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
  • The Moor Of Venice By William Shakespeare

    beings have a tendency to believe lies more often than they actually accept the truth. Winston Churchill said, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” As seen in Othello: The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare, Iago’s lies spread throughout Othello’s world, and it is too late for the truth to overcome the deception. The build up of fabrications result in Othello deciding to believe Iago over his own wife because of his insecurities about his race

    Words: 1338 - Pages: 6
  • The Tragedy Of Othello By William Shakespeare

    it is because of Othello and those who hate him, that catastrophe transpires. Although the actual date of William Shakespeare’s birth is unknown, the date of his baptism is April 26, 1564. The date of his baptism provides an assured idea of when his actual birthday may have been because children were typically baptized close to their arrival into the world. From 1594 and onward, Shakespeare began his acting and playwriting career. The first acting company that he became involved in was Lord Chamberlain’s

    Words: 2305 - Pages: 10
  • The Death Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

    lives. In the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the main character Hamlet refers to suicide commonly. After Hamlet’s father dies, he does not honestly know what to do. His father meant a great deal to him and now he does not know if there is anything to live for. Hamlet debates whether to commit suicide or live. Later, down the road when Ophelia passes, the readers are left wondering if Hamlet pushes Ophelia to the point of death or if it was her own free will. Shakespeare portrays the concept of suicide

    Words: 788 - Pages: 4
  • Othello by William Shakespeare Essay

    Othello by William Shakespeare The play "Othello" was written by the playwright William Shakespeare, one of the best and well-known writers of that period and upto the current day. He wrote it in 1604 to be performed to the new King: King James I and for that reason he included themes in it such as Turkish history, witchcraft and black magic which he knew King James I liked. The play is named after one of the main characters who has a fatal flaw. The character in question

    Words: 1753 - Pages: 8
  • Hamlet, By William Shakespeare

    Shakespeare is known for creating dramatic plays which are meant to connect with the audience that watches by appealing to the many different values of that time. In William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” there are numerous soliloquies which are used to intrigue the audience, such as the one in Act 1, scene 2, which are meant to capture the audience’s attention. During the soliloquy, Hamlet uses allusions to cultural figures, metaphors to explain the ideas presented and juxtaposition to add flare and intrigue

    Words: 1481 - Pages: 6
  • Essay on Hamlet, by William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare's Hamlet is most certainly a tragedy of tragedies. In this masterful piece of literature Shakespeare heaps calamity upon calamity on the stories main protagonist, Hamlet. Not only to Hamlet do these saddening things happen but also to most of the other characters of the story. The tragic nature of this story can obviously be seen in many ways. The main aspects of this work which reveal its nature would be the death of those close to the main character, the hero's tragic flaw

    Words: 766 - Pages: 4
  • A Statue Of Shakespeare By William Shakespeare


    Words: 2126 - Pages: 9
  • Hamlet, By William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Hamlet, is often considered to be the pinnacle of Shakespeare’s plays. Hamlet is able to question the reader to ask themselves, is this all an act or if one’s sanity has gone to insanity. The main character of Hamlet, Hamlet, has struggled to find who is a friend, and who is a foe. Hamlet’s trust spirals and becomes so out of control, he’s able to read if one speaks the truth or is making lies under his deceitful breath. Throughout Hamlet it develops broken families

    Words: 1481 - Pages: 6
  • Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare

    Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a play written by world famous poet William Shakespeare. The romantic comedy, is believed to have been written in the early 1600s to represent the celebration called “Twelfth Night”, which is a celebration during the passing Christmas time and has, since the play, also been coined “Opposite Day”. In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare illustrates a balance of the genders by using Viola, and different characters, to prove that women and men are equally capable of a deep

    Words: 1871 - Pages: 8
  • The Tragedy Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare

    The Tragedy of Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600’s. Set in Scotland, Macbeth, a Scottish general and the Thane of Glamis, attempts to make his way to become the king of Scotland. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man. Although he is easily tempted into murder to fulfill his ambitions to obtain the throne, he is a noble man. Lady Macbeth is wife to Macbeth. Early in the play, Lady Macbeth seems controlling towards Macbeth, but the play goes on and she seems gentle

    Words: 1208 - Pages: 5
  • Ambition Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare


    Words: 1843 - Pages: 8
  • Analysis Of ' Hamlet ' By William Shakespeare

    away even though we believed that all was looking well for the protagonist. Analyze the characters we see the symptoms of mental illness reside in these characters which led to their down fall. In the timeless classic playwright “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare the plague of instability through many character but the only character reader are hundred percent aware is insane is poor Ophelia. In The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe we see the insomnia and loss of numerous characters and other

    Words: 1157 - Pages: 5
  • Analysis Of ' Hamlet ' By William Shakespeare

    What would you be willing to do in the face of betrayal? How far would you be willing to go to avenge a loved one? What unspeakable things would you do in the face of heartbreak? All of these questions are answered for one man. In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Hamlet discovers that his father has been murdered by his own brother. Hamlet seeks to right the wrong done to his father, but is faced with many challenges along the way, such as having his mother marry the murderer of his father. Hamlet

    Words: 1558 - Pages: 7
  • Hamlet, By William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare developed multiple diverse and three-dimensional characters for his plays. However, after analyzing Hamlet it is clear that Ophelia is not one. Her character is one-dimensional and arguably expendable. The story of Hamlet’s revenge can be told without her, but Ophelia would have no story outside of Hamlet and her father. In today’s society, it is increasingly difficult to envision a world where women have no say and are completely submissive to either their father or husband

    Words: 802 - Pages: 4
  • Macbeth, By William Shakespeare

    so that he could hide behind his façade2 of being powerful. Macbeth believes that since he’s the king of Scotland with more power than anyone else, no force can ever defeat him. An analysis of literary terms in the play entitled, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, demonstrates that the three apparitions, the armed head, bloody child, and the crowned child with a tree in his hand, all deceive and hamper3 Macbeth from seeing reality since each foreshadow Macbeth’s downfall. Although other aspects such

    Words: 1408 - Pages: 6
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay

    The complexity and effect of father-son relationships seems to be a theme that Shakespeare loved to explore in his writings. In Hamlet, the subject is used as a mechanism to identify the similarities between three very different characters: Fortinbras, Laertes, and Hamlet. They have each lost their fathers to violent deaths, which leads them to seek vengeance. As different as they may seem, they all share the common desire to avenge their father’s deaths. The method they each approach this is what

    Words: 1005 - Pages: 5
  • Analysis Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

    August Napier once said, ““In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family 's story embodies its hope and despair.” William Shakespeare sets his play, Hamlet, as a comparison between Hamlet, Fortinbras, and Laertes. All three of these young men have lost their fathers and demonstrate different goals and methods of seeking vengeance. Shakespeare creates a triple mirror of relationships in Hamlet by showing the different approaches the men take to achieve the same goal- to avenge their

    Words: 789 - Pages: 4
  • Macbeth, By William Shakespeare

    From witches to apparitions, the reference to the supernatural is unmistakable in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The presence of these powers plays an important role in the structuring of the play. During the 16th century, the time period in which this play was written, people were very superstitious and strongly believed in witches and other supernatural powers, which were considered works of the devil and therefore were greatly feared. Witches were especially known to be dark and manipulative

    Words: 1177 - Pages: 5
  • The Betrayal Of Othello By William Shakespeare

    Curtis Karner Mrs Markovich ENG3U In the play Othello by William Shakespeare the theme of betrayal has an effect on many of the plays characters. Othello and Rodrigo both endure a crippling betrayal at the hands of the sinister Iago. Iago betrays his General Othello by trying to ruin his relationship with Desdemona through a series of devious acts designed to get revenge on Othello for not promoting him to Lieutenant. Iago betrays his friend Rodrigo by using his deep lust for Desdemona against

    Words: 1119 - Pages: 5
  • The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

    The tragedy of Hamlet, is perhaps, one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays. One of the possible reasons for the recognition of this play is the way Shakespeare uses Hamlet to illustrate the complexity of the mind, and how deception must be used in order to deceive others to get to the truth. In Hamlet, Shakespeare incorporates the theme of madness to serve a motive with Prince Hamlet showing the greatest ‘madness’. Arguably, Hamlet wasn 't mad but used the madness as a deception to achieve

    Words: 1139 - Pages: 5
  • The Revenge Of Othello By William Shakespeare

    Revenge in Othello William Shakespeare uses many themes throughout his play Othello . One theme he uses throughout the play is revenge. He uses this theme by showing how destructive and blinding revenge and jealousy can be when taken in the wrong context and how it can consume someone so much that their judgement can be blinded. As Iago feeds the fire of jealousy for Othello by causing drama with Desdemona , the consequences are horrifying. Shakespeare illustrates how revenge can drive people

    Words: 1309 - Pages: 6
  • Othello, By William Shakespeare

    While trusting the words of others can be an extremely important aspect needed in every good relationship, it is important to know the true intentions of a person before trusting them with blind faith. William Shakespeare uses his play Othello to exposes the reality of blindly trusting the words of another. Throughout the poem Othello it is apparent that the character Othello is quite naïve to the true intention of those around him causing him to obliviously take their words as truth at his own expense

    Words: 971 - Pages: 4
  • The Tempest By William Shakespeare

    The Tempest was written by William Shakespeare in 1611, during a time period in which we now call the Age of Discovery. Along with the discovery of new lands, it gave rise to racism and imperialist desires. William Shakespeare was able to use these themes and incorporate them into his plays through the use of various poetic devices. One might ask, how is Shakespeare able to use these themes in The Tempest? Shakespeare was able to take elements of the island that the characters were stranded on and

    Words: 982 - Pages: 4
  • William Shakespeare Essays

    be: that is the question”,is the famous quote from Hamlet by one of the most well known writers in history ,William Shakespeare. Some may ask the question, “Who is William Shakespeare? Why is he so important?” Shakespeare is considered the most famous writer in the english language. Although Shakespeare is known through his work, his personal life is a constant mystery. William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, during the Elizabethan era. The Elizabethan era was an era in which Queen Elizabeth

    Words: 836 - Pages: 4
  • Macbeth, By William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare’s gripping play Macbeth confronts its audience with a cautionary tale of a man overrun by power and brutality. Throughout the “fair...and foul” aspects of the narrative, the playwright portrays first the witches to be the ultimate controllers of fate; however, they never force it upon the characters, but rather position characters to make choices for themselves. Ultimately, the actions of individuals succumb to manipulation, and eventually murder, to fulfil their ambitions. Finally

    Words: 1075 - Pages: 5
  • Analysis Of ' Othello ' By William Shakespeare

    feeling or showing of envy of someone or their achievements and advantages. "Othello" was written by William Shakespeare in 1603. It is about an untrustworthy character Iago who stirs up gossip causing the tragedy to unfold with a moor, Othello, Desdemona his wife, Iago, his wife Emilia and Cassio a lieutenant, and many more characters who fall to Iago 's lies. During the time William Shakespeare was writing the tragedy, Aristotle had set some standards for plays. He states that to have a good they

    Words: 1737 - Pages: 7
  • The Tempest By William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare 's play The Tempest features several different themes that change how the play is viewed. These can range from historical readings to feminist criticisms, all presenting new ideas and insights. When looking from a feminist perspective, facts arise that did not seem important when simply reading the play. For example there are only three women throughout the entire play; one of whom is actually featured in the play, no mothers are present in Tempest, and the woman who appears in

    Words: 1858 - Pages: 8
  • Othello, By William Shakespeare

    Shakespeare’s play, Othello, the protagonist, Othello, atrociously murder’s his wife. When simply observing actions alone, Othello would certainly be considered evil; however, William Shakespeare implements various literary devices to create Othello so that he evokes sympathy, instead of rage, from the audience. Primarily, Shakespeare utilizes linguistic changes by Othello to evoke sympathy for Othello from the audience. When Othello is first presented to the reader, he is seen as an honorable warrior

    Words: 1127 - Pages: 5
  • The Tragedy Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare

    During Elizabethan times, William Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Macbeth. The Tragedy of Macbeth was one of Shakespeare greatest tragedies. Macbeth was a noble thane, until the witches’ prophecies changed him into a bloodthirsty king. Lady Macbeth was an obsessive, determined, and loving wife in the beginning of the play. As Lady Macbeth got her wish of being Queen her mental state began to deteriorate. Through her thoughts, beliefs, and actions Lady Macbeth clearly suffers from postpartum depression

    Words: 816 - Pages: 4
  • Hamlet, By William Shakespeare

    death of the beloved ruler. Hamlet is now tormented by the ever-growing question whether to kill his uncle Claudius or leave his conspiracies aside. The two soliloquies debate whether he should commit a horrible sin or remain passive. In the William Shakespeare play Hamlet, the two soliloquies “what is a man” and “rogue and peasant slave” have many similarities of revenge. Hamlet is plagued by his feelings of responsibility to kill Claudius, he is angry at himself for letting the murder go, and wishes

    Words: 1908 - Pages: 8
  • Hamlet, By William Shakespeare

    Hamlet In his play Hamlet, William Shakespeare gives the readers a chance to interpret the text beyond the visible letters. If one keeps their eyes open, between the lines is a subtext, which is quite fascinating. Recurring themes of being a son and a lover can be confused but if one applies correct attention to certain quotes, it is quite obvious that Shakespeare himself wanted the lines to be blurred. Throughout the play, despite raw text hinting towards the Oedipal Complex between Hamlet and

    Words: 1087 - Pages: 5
  • Hamlet, The Ghost, By William Shakespeare

    In William Shakespeare 's play Hamlet, the ghost only appears four times throughout the play, but it has a major affect on Hamlet. Shakespeare did an excellent job in showing how a character, who one knows little about, can have such an impact in this tragedy. The ghost only speaks to Hamlet in the story, making some of the other characters in Hamlet think he is going crazy. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses the ghost to cause and make people think Hamlet has gone insane, and determine the outcome

    Words: 975 - Pages: 4
  • Othello, By William Shakespeare

    There are evil, manipulative people in this world. Iago, in Othello by William Shakespeare, is a great example. He uses people 's weaknesses, honor, and ignorance to control them fueled by the very “Green-eyed monster” (III.iii.166). Jealousy dwells in every human no matter how good-hearted one is, but it is an option whether to recognize it or not. Unlike Iago, Othello was not aware of the jealousy that was inside him; therefore, he was not able to control it. Iago exploits this opportunity to reveal

    Words: 903 - Pages: 4
  • Analysis Of ' Othello ' By William Shakespeare

    According to the article written by, William Shakespeare “wrote more than thirty plays” (William…). One of Shakespeare’s most memorable pieces of literary writings is his play, Othello. The story of Othello is an unforgettable classic comprised of constant conflict, intense jealously, continuous lies and enduring love. The perceived level of security in many of the character’s friendships are proven to be false; therefore providing the notion that some friendships are not always what

    Words: 1256 - Pages: 6
  • A Soliloquy By William Shakespeare

    thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play”. This literary technique is often used to reveal insight to the audience that would not be known any other way. Throughout the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare the main character Prince Hamlet has seven soliloquies that reveal his character and traits. In the play Prince Hamlet returns to Denmark from school after learning of his father, King Hamlets, death. He soon discovers from his fathers ghost

    Words: 1032 - Pages: 5
  • Essay on Hamlet by William Shakespeare

    between the reader and that character. “The protagonists in many stories are not shown to be flawless. They generally undergo some change that causes the turn of events, which makes a story interesting and helps deliver a message.”(Bavota) It is in William Shakespeare’s writing that Bavota’s observation is clearly shown. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the protagonist is the play’s namesake. He will struggle with his mental and moral self and fall from a respected man and subject, to a king living in fear

    Words: 1258 - Pages: 6
  • William Shakespeare 's The Tempest

    playwright does. Shakespeare and Prospero have the same voice, similar language patterns, and thoughts that are marrying. Additionally, Prospero guides other characters, much in the same way the author may do. All this demonstrate that there is a complete Shakespeare in Prospero. Shakespeare could have created Prospero by incorporating elements of his personality and life into Prospero. Indeed, looking at his background, one is sure to read a lot of Shakespeare in Prospero.  Shakespeare did not continue

    Words: 1947 - Pages: 8
  • The Downfall Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare

    The strive for ambition and power can seem like true perfection for many people, but one should be careful of what they are willing to do for power, because it may be exactly what causes their downfall. This is true in William Shakespeare 's story about a man named Macbeth. By the end of this short play Macbeth has committed many murders and is willing to do whatever it takes to remain King such as murder innocent people. Each successive murder illustrates how Macbeth is changing for the worse; he

    Words: 1136 - Pages: 5
  • King Lear By William Shakespeare


    Words: 1167 - Pages: 5
  • The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare

    Over four hundred years ago, William Shakespeare composed his lengthiest play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. This poignant work narrates the tragic tale of a family torn apart by deceit. It is Prince Hamlet’s quest for revenge that guides readers through his overwhelming struggles to escape the reality of life in Denmark. His father, King Hamlet is dead; meanwhile, his mom has intensified her son’s struggles through her marriage to Cladius, Prince Hamlet’s uncle. Through the play’s

    Words: 1465 - Pages: 6
  • Macbeth, By William Shakespeare

    Often, a tragic hero’s fall from grace is triggered by one decision that sends them tumbling down to their inevitable fate. One choice leans to another and before long, it is too late to turn back. In the tragic play, Macbeth written by William Shakespeare, Macbeth starts as an honorable hero who slowly transforms into a ruthless villain as he fights for a secure position as King. When comparing Macbeth 's initial actions and motives to some of his last, the transformation is evident. Macbeth’s soliloquies

    Words: 1698 - Pages: 7

All William Shakespeare Essays:

Popular Topics: