
The Shakespeare-Expositor (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. An Aid to the Perfect Understanding of Shakespeare's PlaysBy Thomas KeightleyLength12h 26m
About this audiobook
The Shakespeare-Expositor is a work of practical criticism devoted to clarifying difficult passages in Shakespeare's plays through close reading, verbal explanation, and judicious textual argument. Written in the nineteenth-century tradition of Shakespearean annotation, it combines philological scrutiny with a lively sensitivity to dramatic context, seeking not merely to gloss obscure words but to restore intelligibility to speeches, scenes, and cruxes that had perplexed editors and readers. Thomas Keightley, an Irish-born scholar, historian, and man of letters, was well equipped for such a task. Known for works on mythology, folklore, and classical antiquity, he brought to Shakespeare a broad humanistic learning and a habit of comparative explanation. His interest in language, tradition, and narrative structure helps account for the book's patient attention to usage, allusion, and the imaginative logic of Shakespeare's drama. This volume is recommended to readers who wish to encounter Shakespeare through the disciplined eyes of a Victorian scholar-editor. Students, teachers, and historically minded general readers will find in Keightley's observations a valuable record of interpretive practice before modern critical fashions, and a reminder that Shakespeare's greatness often reveals itself most fully through careful attention to detail.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics
Length12 hrs 26 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 2, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth (Annotated)
29HISTORIES.
2Introduction
30KING JOHN.
3Historical Context
31KING RICHARD II.
4Synopsis (Selection)
32KING HENRY IV.—PART I.
5PREFACE.
33KING HENRY IV.—PART II.
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6LIFE OF SHAKESPEARE.
34THE LIFE OF HENRY V.
7EDITIONS, DATES, AND ORIGINS OF SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS.
35KING HENRY VI.—PART I.
8COMEDIES.
36KING HENRY VI.—PART II.
9HISTORIES.
37KING HENRY VI.—PART III.
10TRAGEDIES.
38KING RICHARD III.
11INTRODUCTION.
39KING HENRY VIII.
12I. The Text.
40TRAGEDIES.
13II. THE VERSE.
41ROMEO AND JULIET.
14COMEDIES.
42HAMLET.
15COMEDY OF ERRORS.
43OTHELLO.
16THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA.
44JULIUS CÆSAR.
17LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST.
45ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.
18ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.
46KING LEAR.
19MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.
47MACBETH.
20TAMING OF THE SHREW.3
48TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
21MERCHANT OF VENICE.
49TIMON OF ATHENS.
22AS YOU LIKE IT.
50CORIOLANUS.
23MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
51CYMBELINE.
24MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
52EXPLANATORY INDEX
25TWELFTH NIGHT.
53Analysis
26MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
54Reflection
27WINTER'S TALE.
55Memorable Quotes
28THE TEMPEST.