Characters of Shakespeares Plays

This insightful exploration delves into the heart of Shakespeares works, illuminating the playwrights genius in crafting characters that resonate with life and authenticity. Renowned 19th-century critic William Hazlitt reveals how these characters not only reflect the complexities of human nature but often surpass them, existing in both their inner and outer worlds. Hazlitts assertion that The characters breathe, move, and live, ... think and speak and act just as they might do, if left entirely to themselves highlights the depth of Shakespeares artistry. Although the initial printings of this work sold out quickly, a scathing review in The Quarterly Review dampened its success and tarnished Hazlitts reputation for years. However, it wasnt until the mid-20th century that his contributions were reassessed, with literary critic Harold Bloom ranking him second only to Dr. Johnson among Shakespeares greatest commentators. - Summary by Nemo