英美文学Chapter 4.pptVIP

Chapter 4 William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Life and Literary Career King Edward VI Grammar School at Stratford Shakespeare’s Home Literary Productions He authored altogether 37 plays and154 sonnets, which were created in 3 phases generally. I. Apprenticeship and growth: History plays and comedies ( 1590-1600) II. Gloom and depression: Tragedies (1601-1608) III. Restored serenity: Dramatic romances (1609-1612) Artistic Features Represented the trend of history in giving voice to the desires and aspirations of the people. Reflected the humanist spirit of his age. Was most successful in characterization. Instilled into old materials a new spirit that gives new life to his plays Was good at poem writing, which were rich in images, conceit, metaphors and symbols. Was a master of the English language. Contributions Break the strict drama principle of three unities. Breaks the division between tragedy and comedy and creates realistic plays that have both tragic and comic elements. History Plays Richard III Henry IV (most significant one) Henry V (Prince Hal, ideal monarch) Henry VI Julius Caesar (about Roman history) Comedies A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream As You Like It The Twelfth Night (most careful plotted) （Problem plays） Measure for Measure The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice Theme: To praise the gallant friendship and the good gentleman in Antonio and reveal the miserable conditions of the Jews in a Christian world. Questions for discussion: What humanist values are demonstrated in this work? What is Shakespeare’s attitude towards money? Antonio: I know not why I am so sad: It wearies me; you say it wearies me. But how I caught it, found it; or came by it. What stuff it is made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn, such a want wit sadness makes of me, that I have much ado to know myself. Salarino: Your mind is tossing on the ocean,…and every object that might make me fear misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt would make me sad. Tragedies Hamlet 《