In Troilus and Cressida (1602), Shakespeare presents familiar characters in an unfamiliar way. This problem play takes Homer’s epic heroes–Achilles, Ajax, Hector, Ulysses–and represents them as a pale simulacrum of their reputations. The main plot, the failed love story between Troilus and Cressida, reinforces this satirical presentation of pagan heroism.
Tag Archives: Covenantal Shakespeare
Problematic Grace, Problematic Mercy
Measure for Measure presents a disconcerting picture of human-manufactured grace and mercy.
All’s Well That Ends Well: Shakespearean Comedic Providence and Redemption
Shakespeare’s ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ is a masterful exploration of divine providence working through human affairs.
Judgment in The Tempest
Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, revisits the same motifs of judgment and punishment present in his tragedies. However, he depicts them in a redemptive rather than vindictive light. Through characters such as Prospero, Ariel, Caliban, and Ferdinand, Shakespeare connects judgment with responsibility and the play’s ethical presuppositions with the willingness to forgive. The character ProsperoContinue reading “Judgment in The Tempest”
Shakespeare Project: Days 5-8
Today, I finished the Henry VI trilogy. The plays ask a simple question: can a Christian be a good king? A straight reading of the plays says no. Henry VI is a devout man who is a bad ruler. Under Henry VI, the seeds for the War of the Roses were sown. He failed toContinue reading “Shakespeare Project: Days 5-8”
Shakespeare Project: Days 3 and 4
I finished my third Shakespeare play of the new year, Henry VI Part 2. It’s regarded as the strongest of the Henry VI trilogy, and I can see why. Henry VI is a fascinating figure, namely because he’s pious. You can’t find a more Christian king in Shakespeare’s corpus. Yet, his kingdom is in ruin.Continue reading “Shakespeare Project: Days 3 and 4”
Shakespeare Project: Day 2
I knocked out another play today: Henry VI Part 1. It’s a historical drama that critics either think Shakespeare didn’t write (co-writing candidates include Thomas Nashe) or shouldn’t have written. Given its lackluster reputation, I was surprised at how much was inside the play. The play’s action occurs between Henry V’s death and the beginningContinue reading “Shakespeare Project: Day 2”
Shakespeare Project: Day 1
One of my New Year’s commitments was to reread Shakespeare’s corpus. I began today with his provocative The Taming of the Shrew. The plot hearkens back to both folk tales and Biblical parables. Its premise? A beautiful younger daughter (Bianca) with many suitors can’t get married until her shrewish older sister (Katherine/Kate) gets hitched. EnterContinue reading “Shakespeare Project: Day 1”
Covenantal Shakespeare – The Comedies
If I pursue a short course on Shakespeare’s comedies, I would emphasize three things. The covenant The arc from “wrath to grace” How the comedy redeems the idol that ruins its companion tragedy I know what my pairs would be for HIERARCHY through SUCCESSION. TRAGEDY COMEDY Romeo and Juliet Midsummer Night’s Dream Hamlet The Merchant ofContinue reading “Covenantal Shakespeare – The Comedies”
Conclusions: Part II
My Covenantal Shakespeare course could be subtitled “Idols for Destruction.” As I’ve hinted at elsewhere, the tragic form moves from grace to wrath. As a set, the five plays I’ve examined consider the wrathful destruction of five different idols. Julius Caesar – the idol of politics Romeo and Juliet – the idol of romantic loveContinue reading “Conclusions: Part II”
Experiments in Criticism 