Shakespeare and the Good Life

by David Lowenthal

In this engaging and accessible book, distinguished scholar David Lowenthal demonstrates that each of Shakespeare's plays examines certain fundamental issues of moral and political life. Lowenthal discusses some of the Bard's best-known plays, and elicits the problem (and solution) occupying each one. Every component of a Shakespearean drama, argues Lowenthal, including plot, characters, and speeches, can be understood and explained as deriving from the particular issue that play examines. However, Shakespeare wanted to be known as a poet, not a philosopher. Lowenthal shows how and why Shakespeare achieved his goal, and in so doing he illuminates Shakespeare's artistry in a unique and compelling way. Anyone who has marveled at the beauty and complexity of the plays of Shakespeare will be grateful for Lowenthal's insightful exploration of their deeper meaning.

Genres: Shakespeare

Paperback

First published October 28, 1997

Reviews

[Josh Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of essays interpreting Shakespeare’s political philosophy through a Straussian lens. The essays on The Tempest, Lear, Caesar, and Macbeth contain keen insights and should command special attention. Sadly, the book is infected with a casual hostility toward Christianity that seems unsupported by its source material.

[Yu Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great interpretation of Caesar. Model of how to apply political philosophy to Shakespeare criticism.