by Gideon Rappaport (Author)
Appreciating Shakespeare makes easily available the essential tools for understanding and enjoying Shakespeare's plays and poems, which means experiencing the deep and thrilling meanings of his works.
Part 1 offers the background knowledge--about Shakespeare's life, language, poetic and dramatic techniques, theatrical context, and historical and cultural background--that help you to appreciate Shakespeare's works. Part 2 offers short essays on twenty-two plays, pointing readers to the universally meaningful heart of each and illuminating themes often hidden or misrepresented in many stage and screen productions and critical writings. There is also a chapter dedicated to analysis of a selection of Shakespeare's sonnets.