Preface: the idea of the problem play -- The merchant of Venice: does anybody know the quality of mercy? -- Troilus and Cressida and the consummate anti-genre -- All's well that ends well: not really -- Straining the quality of mercy: Measure for measure -- Comedic problem plays -- Tragic problem plays -- History and romance: problems of love -- Adventure, and language.
Summary:
"Shakespeare's plays are a rich source of genre as well as moral or ethical issues that invite deep study. The genre issue often proves the very moral crux where Shakespeare raises complex questions. He aimed to build good plays, not simple fulfillments of genre demands. To him "good plays" meant leaving his audience with problems to consider"-- Provided by publisher.
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