5 thinkers, books, and ideas connected to this field.
Shakespeare's 1603 tragedy — following Prince Hamlet's paralysis after his father's murder by his uncle — the most performed play in history and the supreme literary treatment of consciousness, indecision, and mortality.
Shakespeare's 1604 tragedy following Othello — a Moorish general in the Venetian army — whose ensign Iago, passed over for promotion, manipulates him into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, leading to his murder of her and subsequent suicide.
Shakespeare's final solo play — following Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who controls a magic island, enslaves Caliban and Ariel, and uses a tempest to bring his enemies to him before choosing forgiveness over revenge — widely read as Shakespeare's farewell to the theatre.
Shakespeare's 1611 late romance in which King Leontes of Sicilia becomes suddenly and irrationally jealous of his pregnant wife Hermione, condemns her, causes his son's death, and is separated from his daughter for 16 years before a reconciliation that resembles resurrection.
Shakespeare's 1601 comedy following Viola, who disguises herself as Cesario after a shipwreck, is sent to woo Olivia for Duke Orsino, with whom Viola falls in love, while Olivia falls in love with Cesario/Viola — exploring desire, disguise, identity, and the arbitrary nature of love.