Shakespeare's Characters

Shakespeare's reputation owes much to his characters; yet memorable as these are, they abound in inconsistencies. What did they mean in Shakespeare's time, and how do they still succeed? What explains the charisma of Bottom, the idiot who cannot act, or the appeal of Shylock, the vicious stereotype of Jewishness? What prompted 19th-century critic William Hazlitt so to embrace Shakespeare's Danish prince as to declare, "It is we who are Hamlet"? Addressing such questions, we will develop critical thinking and writing skills. Texts will include A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, and contextual readings. 3 hrs. sem.