Four Comedies by William Shakespeare (Penguin Classics)

Description

“Four Comedies: The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Twelfth Night” is a collection of four comedic plays by William Shakespeare. These plays are known for their light-hearted and humorous elements, exploring themes of love, mistaken identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The collection is published under the “Penguin Classics” series, which provides annotated editions of literary works.

1. “The Taming of the Shrew”: This play centers around the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, a strong-willed woman. Petruchio attempts to “tame” Katherina through various comical and sometimes controversial means.
2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: A magical and whimsical play that weaves together the stories of four lovers, fairies, and amateur actors who all find themselves entangled in a forest on a midsummer’s night. It’s known for its dreamlike atmosphere and complex interplay of characters.
3. “As You Like It”: The play follows Rosalind, who disguises herself as a man and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden, where she encounters various characters and experiences various comedic situations.
4. “Twelfth Night”: This play features mistaken identities, shipwrecks, and love triangles. Viola, disguised as a young man named Cesario, serves the Duke Orsino while falling in love with him, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings.

Shakespeare’s comedies are characterized by witty wordplay, clever plots, and a focus on themes of love and the human condition. This collection showcases some of his most celebrated comedic works and offers readers a chance to explore the lighter side of Shakespearean drama.

The “Penguin Classics” editions often come with introductions, notes, and annotations to help readers understand the historical context, language, and nuances of Shakespeare’s plays.