The Merchant of Venice (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays) - William Shakespeare Review & Synopsis

Synopsis The Merchant of Venice is an intriguing drama of love, greed, and revenge. At its heart, the play contrasts the characters of the maddened and vengeful Shylock, a Venetian moneylender, with the gracious, level-headed Portia, a wealthy young woman besieged by suitors. At the play's climax, Shylock insists on the enforcement of a binding contract that will cost the life of the merchant Antonio - inciting Portia to mount a memorable defense. In this richly plotted drama, Shylock, whom Shakespeare endowed with all of the depth and vitality of his greatest characters, is not alone in his villainy. In scene after scene, a large cast of ambitious and scheming characters demonstrates that honesty is a quality often strained where matters of love and money are concerned. The gravity and suspense of the play's central plot, together with its romance, have made The Merchant of Venice a favorite of audiences, and one of the most studied and performed of Shakespeare's plays. It is reprinted here from an authoritative text, complete with explanatory footnotes. Review The Merchant of Venice has been performed more often than any other comedy by Shakespeare. This edition pays special attention to the expectations of its first audience, and to our modern experience of seeing and hearing the play.This is one of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, for the romantic story of a young man, Bassanio, who has squandered his fortune and must borrow money to woo the wealthy lady he loves is set against the most disturbing story of the Jewish moneylender Shylock and his demand for the "pound of flesh" owed him by the Venetian merchant, Antonio, who has fallen into Shylock's debt. Here pathos and farce combine with moral complexity and romantic entanglement to display the extraordinary power and range of Shakespeare at his best. The Merchant of Venice Thrift Study Edition Two pairs of young lovers fall asleep in an ancient Athenian forest and wake to find themselves in the middle of a good deed gone wrong. A Midsummer Night's Dream conjures up a fairyland inhabited by well-intentioned sprites whose magic leads to farcical confusion. The mirthful tangle of mistaken identities and misplaced affections develops and resolves in the glorious poetry of England's greatest playwright. Shakespeare's fantastical comedy has enchanted audiences since its debut in the twilight years of the sixteenth century. A definitive survey, this Dover Thrift Study Edition offers the drama's complete and unabridged text, plus a comprehensive study guide. Created to help readers gain a thorough understanding of the content and context of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the guide includes: • Scene-by-scene summaries • Explanations and discussions of the plot • Question-and-answer sections • Shakespeare biography • List of characters and more Created to help readers gain a thorough understanding of the content and context of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the guide includes: • Scene-by-scene summaries • Explanations and discussions of the plot • Question-and-answer sections ..." The Tempest Comedy, romance, and reconciliation are themes in this masterly drama that begins with a storm at sea and concludes in joyous harmony. Comedy, romance, and reconciliation are themes in this masterly drama that begins with a storm at sea and concludes in joyous harmony." Shakespeare From the entry of Shakespeare's birth in the Stratford church register to a Norwegian production of Macbeth in which the hero was represented by a tomato, this enthralling and splendidly illustrated book tells the story of Shakespeare's life, his writings, and his afterlife. Drawing on a lifetime's experience of studying, teaching, editing, and writing about Shakespeare, Stanley Wells combines scholarly authority with authorial flair in a book that will appeal equally to the specialist and the untutored enthusiast. Chapters on Shakespeare's life in Stratford and in London offer a fresh view of the development of the writer's career and personality. At the core of the book lies a magisterial study of the writings themselves--how Shakespeare set about writing a play, his relationships with the company of actors with whom he worked, his developing mastery of the literary and rhetorical skills that he learned at the Stratford grammar school, the essentially theatrical quality of the structure and language of his plays. Subsequent chapters trace the fluctuating fortunes of his reputation and influence. Here are accounts of adaptations, productions, and individual performances in England and, increasingly, overseas; of great occasions such as the Garrick Jubilee and the tercentenary celebrations of 1864; of the spread of Shakespeare's reputation in France and Germany, Russia and America, and, more recently, the Far East; of Shakespearian discoveries and forgeries; of critical reactions, favorable and otherwise, and of scholarly activity; of paintings, music, films and other works of art inspired by the plays; of the plays' use in education and the political arena, and of the pleasure and intellectual stimulus that they have given to an increasingly international public. Shakespeare, said Ben Jonson, was not of an age but for all time. This is a book about him for our time. Shakespeare, said Ben Jonson, was not of an age but for all time. This is a book about him for our time." 12 Plays By Shakespeare Convenient and inexpensive, this box set features a dozen of the Bard's most popular dramas. Unabridged texts of Hamlet, Richard III, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, The Tempest, Othello, King Lear, Julius Caesar, and Much Ado About Nothing. Convenient and inexpensive, this box set features a dozen of the Bard's most popular dramas." Ten Tales from Shakespeare Prose retellings of The Tempest; A Midsummer Night's Dream; As You Like It; The Merchant of Venice; King Lear; Macbeth; The Taming of the Shrew; Romeo and Juliet; Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; and Othello. Prose retellings of The Tempest; A Midsummer Night's Dream; As You Like It; The Merchant of Venice; King Lear; Macbeth; The Taming of the Shrew; Romeo and Juliet; Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; and Othello." As You Like It Thrift Study Edition Includes the unabridged text of Shakespeare's classic play plus a complete study guide that features scene-by-scene summaries, explanations and discussions of the plot, question-and-answer sections, author biography, historical background, and more. Don't worry, we have you covered. This book has everything you need. Not only does it feature the complete text of As You Like It, it offers a comprehensive study guide that will easily help you understand Shakespeare's classic drama." Shakespeare's Stories for Young Readers Twelve of the Bard's most famous plays, delightfully adapted for young readers, are filled with stories about kings, queens, ghosts, and witches. Brimming with tragedy, humor, and moral lessons, and told with wit and grace, the tales include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, As You Like It, and 7 others. Brimming with tragedy, humor, and moral lessons, and told with wit and grace, the tales include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, As You Like It, and 7 others." Twelfth Night Thrift Study Edition Includes the unabridged text of Shakespeare's classic play plus a complete study guide that features scene-by-scene summaries, explanations and discussions of the plot, question-and-answer sections, author biography, historical background, and more. Includes the unabridged text of Shakespeare's classic play plus a complete study guide that features scene-by-scene summaries, explanations and discussions of the plot, question-and-answer sections, author biography, historical background, ..." William Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is a richly complicated and, to some, a deeply;disturbing work. Sterling Professor of Humanities Harold Bloom, William Shakespeare Harold Bloom ... Shakespeare Lexicon and Quotation Dictionary, New York: Dover Publications , 1971), 1:351. ... Moody, Shakespeare: “ The Merchant of Venice ,” 44. 19." Five Comic One-Act Plays Humorous gems by one of the masters of modern drama: The Anniversary, An Unwilling Martyr, The Wedding, The Bear, and The Proposal. For students, general readers, and amateur and professional theater groups. DOVER · THRIFT · EDITIONS PLAYS LIFE IS A DREAM , Pedro Calderón de la Barca . 96pp . ( ) -486-42124-4 H. M. S. PINAFORE , William Schwenck Gilbert . 64pp . ... 0-486-40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp ." Jane Eyre Thrift Study Edition In early nineteenth-century England, an orphaned young woman accepts employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall, a country estate owned by the mysteriously remote Mr. Rochester. NONFICTION GREAT ENGLISHESSAYS, Edited by Bob Blaisdell. (0-486-44082-6) THE KORAN, Translated by ... (0-486-27548-5) PLAYS THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . ... Dover Thrift Study Editions offer everything you need to make." The Koran Sacred scripture of Islam: Mohammed's revelations concerning the omniscience and majesty of God, death and judgment, the proper conduct of the faithful, previous prophets, kindness to orphans, more. DOVER THRIFT EDITIONS PLAYS THE MIKADO , William Schwenck Gilbert . 64pp . ... 29268-1 THE LONG VOYAGE HOME AND OTHER PLAYS , Eugene O'Neill . 80pp . ... 40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp ." The Wild Duck The idealistic son of a corrupt merchant exposes his father's duplicity, but in the process, destroys the very people he wishes to save. DOVER · THRIFT · EDITIONS PLAYS LIFE IS A DREAM , Pedro Calderón de la Barca . 96pp . 0-486-42124-4 H. M. S. PINAFORE , William Schwenck Gilbert . 64pp . ... 0-486-40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp ." Biblical References in Shakespeare's Plays This volume provides a comprehensive survey of the English Bibles of Shakespeare's day, notes their similarities and differences, and indicates which version the playwright knew best. The biblical references in each of Shakespeare's plays are then carefully analyzed, as are Shakespeare's references to the Prayer Book and the homilies. The thorny question of what constitutes a valid biblical reference is also discussed. Edited by Richard W. David. The Arden Shakespeare . 1951. Reprint. London: Methuen, 1983. Loues Labour's Lost. Edited by Horace Howard Furness. A New Variorum Edition of Shakespeare . 1904. Reprint. New York: American Scholar Publications ..." The Trojan Women and Hippolytus Two literary classics of human self-understanding: The Trojan Women, one of the most powerful indictments of war ever written, and Hippolytus, a gripping depiction of the struggle to master human passion. PLAYS THE ORESTEIA TRILOGY: Agamemnon, the Libation-Bearers and the Furies, Aeschylus. (0-486-29242-8) EVERYMAN, Anonymous. ... VENICE , William Shakespeare . ... (0-486-28747-5) DRAMA /ANCIENT & CLASSICAL D O V E R THRIFT EDITIONS PLAYS ..." Right You Are, If You Think You Are This famous drama, an expressionistic parable by the Nobel Prize–winning playwright, explores such themes as the relativity of truth, the vanity and necessity of illusion, and the instability of human personalities. ( 0-486-29290-8 ) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . ... THE TEMPEST , William Shakespeare . ( 0-486-40658 - X ) ( continued on back flap ) DOVER · THRIFT : EDITIONS Right You Are If You DOVER THRIFT EDITIONS PLAYS ." The Cherry Orchard Classic of world drama concerns passing of semifeudal order in turn-of-the-century Russia, symbolized in the sale of the cherry orchard owned by Madame Ranevskaya. Showcases Chekhov's rich sensitivities as an observer of human nature. DOVER · THRIFT · EDITIONS PLAYS LIFE IS A DREAM , Pedro Calderón de la Barca . 96pp . 0-486-42124-4 H. M. S. PINAFORE , William Schwenck Gilbert . 64pp . ... 0-486-40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp ." Dr. Faustus One of the glories of Elizabethan drama: Marlowe's powerful retelling of the story of the learned German doctor who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. Footnotes. PLAYS THE ORESTEIA TRILOGY: Agamemnon, the Libation-Bearers and the Furies, Aeschylus. ... (0-486-27067-X) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . ... Shakespeare. (0-486-28747-5) D O V E R THRIFT EDITIONS A carefully curated PLAYS ..." Where Angels Fear to Tread Forster's early novel offers an intriguing contrast of English and Italian sensibilities. It recounts an Englishman's journey to Tuscany, where he attempts to rescue his brother's widow from an unsuitable romance. (0-486-27067-X) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . (0-486-28492-1) HAMLET, William Shakespeare . (0-486-27278-8) RICHARD III, William Shakespeare . (0-486-28747-5) FICTION/CLASSICS D O V E R THRIFT EDITIONS A carefully PLAYS ..." H. G. Wells The Dover Reader Features The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The Invisible Man, as well as five famous short stories, including "The Stolen Bacillus," the first work dealing with bio-terrorism. PLAYS MACBETH, William Shakespeare . (0-486-27802-6) MAJOR BARBARA, ... (0-486-27548-5) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . (0-486-28492-1) A MIDSUMMER ... (0-486-28762-9) DOVER THRIFT EDITIONS FICTION PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, ..." Shakespeare Illustrated From the works of the English language's greatest playwright comes this stunning gallery of immortal scenes: Romeo and Juliet on the balcony, mad Ophelia wreathed in flowers, Macbeth's encounter with the witches, and other vignettes. More than 120 (85 in full-color) illustrations include the published works of many artists, drawn from a dozen plays and showcasing a rich diversity of imaginative styles and treatments. Highlights include images by Arthur Rackham and W. Heath Robinson from A Midsummer Night's Dream; John Austen's interpretations of Hamlet; and episodes from The Tempest by Edmund Dulac and Walter Crane. Other featured artists include Charles Robinson, Frank Papé, Charles Folkard, Louis Rhead, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Images from each drama are preceded by a brief introduction to the work and are accompanied by captions that identify the scene and artist, as well as the illustration's date. From the works of the English language's greatest playwright comes this stunning gallery of immortal scenes: Romeo and Juliet on the balcony, mad Ophelia wreathed in flowers, Macbeth's encounter with the witches, and other vignettes." Othello One of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies, Othello tells the story of a Moorish general in command of the armed forces of Venice who earns the enmity of his ensign Iago by passing him over for a promotion. Partly for revenge and partly out of pure evil, Iago plots to convince Othello that Desdemona, his wife, has been unfaithful to him. Iago succeeds in his evil aims only too well, for the enraged Othello murders Desdemona. When Othello later learns of her innocence, he takes his own life. Bleak and unsparing, this play offers a stunning portrait of an arch-villain and an astute psychological study of the nature of evil. One of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies, Othello tells the story of a Moorish general in command of the armed forces of Venice who earns the enmity of his ensign Iago by passing him over for a promotion." Bacchae Classic Greek tragedy concerns the catastrophe that ensues when the King of Thebes imprisons Dionysus and attempts to suppress his cult. Striking scenes, frenzied emotion, and choral songs of power and beauty. (0-486-27067-X) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . (0-486-28492-1) HAMLET, William Shakespeare . (0-486-27278-8) RICHARD III, William Shakespeare . (0-486-28747-5) DRAMA / ANCIENT & CLASSICAL DOVER THRIFT EDITIONS A carefully." The Long Voyage Home and Other Plays Populated by moody, intense characters trapped by forces greater than themselves, these four short melodramas include Bound East for Cardiff, In the Zone, The Long Voyage Home, and The Moon of the Caribbees. DOVER . THRIFT . EDITIONS . PLAYS . THE ORESTEIA TRILOGY: AGAMEMNON, THE LIBATION-BEARERS AND THE FURIES, Aeschylus. (0-486-29242-8) EVERYMAN, Anonymous. (0-486-28726-2) THE BIRDs, Aristophanes. (0-486-40886-8) LYSISTRATA, Aristophanes." Elizabethan Poetry This anthology includes sonnets from Shakespeare, Sidney, and Spenser; popular poems by Donne ("Go, and catch a falling star"), Jonson ("Drink to me only with thine eyes"), Marlowe ("The Passionate Shepherd to His Love"); more. PLAYS THE MIKADO , William Schwenck Gilbert . 64pp . ... 40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp . 28492-1 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S ... 64pp . 26877-2 DOVER · THRIFT · EDITIONS POETRY LA VITA Nuova , DOVER · THRIFT . EDITIONS ." The Way of Perfection This classic of the interior life and Christian mysticism by the sainted 16th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun focuses on the practice of prayer. Modern readers will appreciate its warmth and accessibility. PLAYS MACBETH, William Shakespeare . (0-486-27802-6) MAJOR BARBARA, ... (0-486-27548-5) THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . (0-486-28492-1) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S ... (0-486-28762-9) LITERARY COLLECTIONS D O V E R THRIFT EDITIONS A." The Taming of the Shrew Passion divides and unites a spirited pair of lovers in a 16th-century battle of the sexes. Witty dialogue and slapstick humor abound in this ever-popular comedy. Inexpensive, unabridged edition perfect for students. William Shakespeare . PLAYS LIFE IS A DREAM , Pedro Calderón de la Barca . ... 0-486-40889-2 THE MERCHANT OF VENICE , William Shakespeare . 96pp . ... 0-486-26877-2 DOVER THRIFT EDITIONS A carefully curated library of the world's DOVER ." Shakespeare Quarterly Provides image and full-text online access to back issues. Consult the online table of contents for specific holdings. The Merchant of Ven- ice . ( Dover Thrift Editions . ) New York : Dover , 1995. vii + 88 pp . [ Reprints the text from the Caxton Edition of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare , with annota- tions . ] Translations and Adaptations ..." Ethan Frome A New England farmer must choose between his duty to care for his invalid wife and his love for her cousin A New England farmer must choose between his duty to care for his invalid wife and his love for her cousin Set against the bleak winter landscape of New England, Ethan Frome tells the story of a poor farmer, lonely and downtrodden, his wife ..."