The Oxford Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice (Oxford World's Classics)

by William Shakespeare (Author), William Shakespeare (Author), Jay L. Halio (Editor)

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $3.25

  What was Shakespeare's attitude to Semitism? The Introduction to this edition of The Merchant of Venice opens by addressing this vital issue raised by the play, and goes on to study the sources, background, and date, includuing a discussion of Sigmund Freud's essay on 'The Three Caskets'. Professor Halio interprets the play's contradictions, inconsistencies, and complementarities, especially as these relate to the overarching theme of bonds and bondage. A survey of the play's stage history ranges from discussions of its early staging to important twentieth-century productions and performances outside England, particularly in Israel. The text, based on a fresh examination of the early editions, is presented in modernized spelling and punctuation. Unfailingly lucid and helpful, this is an ideal edition for students, actors, and the general reader.

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $16.70

  The Oxford School Shakespeare is a well-established series which helps students understand and enjoy Shakespeare's plays. As well as the complete and unabridged text, each play in this series has an extensive range of student's notes. These include detailed and clear explanations of difficult words and passages, a synopsis of the plot, summaries of individual scenes and notes on the main characters.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2001

  $6.59

• New

  Paperback
  1984

  $19.87

  Full comprehension of the plays is gained from the line-by-line modern English translation given on facing pages. Understanding of the plays is increased as pupils take part in the variety of related activities included in each book. The significance of the plays is reinforced by sections discussing Shakespeare's life, works and theatre. Pupils are encouraged to understand the language, characters, structure and themes of the plays by completion of practical exercises.