THE MIRROUR OF LIFE: An Approach to Shakespeare

Taking its title from a quotation by Doctor Johnson, The Mirrour of Life shows, through a study of leading characters, why Shakespeare's plays remain popular and relevant in the modern world.Twenty five of the most popular plays are featured, with a short synopsis of each play, textual extracts and a lively commentary on the plays and their leading characters. There are also essays on literary topics, including tragedy, comedy, Shakespeare's poetry and the Elizabethan theatre. The book provides background information about Shakespeare's work for students, theatregoers and enthusiasts and the emphasis is on the theatrical qualities of the plays.