Shakespeare Ten Great Comedies

by Raphael Shargel

Raphael Shargel, associate professor of English at Providence College. Shakespeare's genius is as readily apparent in these comedies as in his timeless tragedies. Often marked by internal and external conflicts, young lovers struggling for union, mistaken identities, and intertwining plots, Shakespeare's comedies to this day reveal the master's unparalleled insight into the human condiditon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Shakespeare, Literature, History, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

An introduction based on plot descriptions and elucidations that are as concerned to fit Shakespeare to our sensibilities as to Elizabethan culture.

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2009 Raphael Shargel, Associate Professor of English at Providence College, released his “Shakespeare: 10 Great Comedies” audio Modern Scholar Series lectures. His 12 lectures help listeners understand Shakespeare’s insights about 17th century love, conflict, social balance, and spiritual growth. His presentations on Midsummer Night’s Dream, Merchant of Venice, and Much to Do About Nothing were exceptional in their portrayal of Shakespeare’s use of verse and song to convey the timeless music of romance and joy. (P)

[Tom Baikin-O'hayon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction but nothing more.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I would have liked. This had its good moments but it really bogged down for me. I didn’t get as much out of it as I hoped to.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this Modern Scholar series thinking that I would get some insight into the comedies of William Shakespeare. I came away realizing that as a playwright, he is overrated.

That realization came early on in the Taming of the Shrew (a rewrite of an earlier work The Taming of a Shrew) when Petruchio and Kate discuss whether it is the moon or the sun in the sky. Yes, this play is a real side-splitter.

On it goes into mediocrity. Or, as in the Merchant of Venice, when Shylock asks for mercy, and Professor Shargel points out that the christian characters in the play act entirely without mercy.

The only part that brought out even a hint of humor was in one of the plays he didn't discuss for this lecture series, in which twins and disguises brought about confusion on all parties involved.

Overall, it has increased my disregard for the bard. It's the kind of thing where, well, you're expected to like him, because, well, he is THE bard, and it's just politic to fawn over him.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting course on Shakespeare's comedies. The professor does a good job of discussing the plays themselves and also the historic/literary context of the topic and the biographic context for W.S. It prompted me to get copies of Much Ado about Nothing and All's Well that Ends Well to listen to them again. Well worth the time.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this did not meet my expectations. There are several places where the audio repeats itself due to poor editing. The narrator, or lecturer in this case, mixes up character names a few times which was really distracting and came to several conclusions that didn't make any sense... and he had an annoying voice that was made infinitely worse by his reading style.