Book Description

This critical study explores the many conflicting interpretations of a pardoxical and disarming play that breaks most of the rules and yet, like Cleopatra herself, manages to make "defect perfection". As well as chapters on Shakespeare's methods of characterization, on construction, sources and historical background, Professor Muir provides a detailed scene-by-scene commentary: themes and characters are viewed and reviewed from several angles, providing the student a rounded appeeciation of the play.

From the Cover Back

'The Elizabethans had several therories of tragedy.' remarks Kenneth Muir, 'and Antony and Cleopatra seems curiously to embody them all...'

This outstanding critical study explores the many conflicting interpretations of a paradoxical and disarming play that breaks most of the rules and yet, like Cleopatra herself, manages to make 'defect perfection'.

As well as chapters on Shakespeare's methods of characterization, on construction, sources and historical background, Professor Muir provides a detailed scene-by-scene commentary: themes and characters are viewed and reviewed from several angels, providing the student with a fully rounded appreciation of the play.

Book Dimension:

length: (cm)19.8 　　　 　　　　　 　width:(cm) 12.8