3 Review(s)

In this book an attempt has been made to study 'Measure For Measure, 'Troilus and Cressida' and 'All's Well That Ends Well' as the problem-plays written by the most famous English dramatist Shakespeare.These plays are called 'Problem Plays' by E.M.W. Tillyard in his book titled Shakespeare's Problem Plays (1950) as they are not concerned with the bright surface of the world. They enquire into the darkest and saddest part of human life. They cynically mock at whatever is held valuable or sweet in human relationships.It appears that Shakespeare was in no mood to write either gay comedies or profound tragedies. These plays have sometimes been referred to as dark comedies as they depict an atmosphere of disillusionment. They focus on the darker side of life and the mysteries of the sex. Perhaps it is better to call these plays 'problem plays' because while reading them we are perplexed as the problems raised in them do not seem amenable to a satisfactory solution. They are too serious and analytical to be called comedies. They include many repulsive episodes and characters.In these three plays, the author believes that the centre of interest has shifted from the beauty and joy of life to the sordidness and hollowness of the existence, from man as the image of God to man as the embodiment of folly, evil and vice.