Shakespeare's Plays: Comedies
Shakespeare's complete comedies in a scene-by-scene format with line numbers included for easy reference.
All's Well that Ends Well
Modern scholars contend that this is a 'problem' play, due primarily to the character Helena and her ambiguous nature. Is she a virtuous lady or a crafty temptress?
Modern scholars contend that this is a 'problem' play, due primarily to the character Helena and her ambiguous nature. Is she a virtuous lady or a crafty temptress?
As You Like It
"As You Like It" is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies, and the heroine, Rosalind, is praised as one of his most inspiring characters.
"As You Like It" is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies, and the heroine, Rosalind, is praised as one of his most inspiring characters.
Comedy of Errors
This is Shakespeare's shortest play, which he based on "Menaechmi" by Plautus.
This is Shakespeare's shortest play, which he based on "Menaechmi" by Plautus.
Cymbeline
This play, modeled after Boccaccio's Decameron, is often classified as a romance.
This play, modeled after Boccaccio's Decameron, is often classified as a romance.
Love's Labours Lost
Love's Labours Lost fell out of favor for many years, criticized by scholars as muddled and confusing. But the play is making a comeback, and Kenneth Branagh's version of the play is sure to help it along.
Love's Labours Lost fell out of favor for many years, criticized by scholars as muddled and confusing. But the play is making a comeback, and Kenneth Branagh's version of the play is sure to help it along.
Measure for Measure
Considered a "dark" comedy, "Measure for Measure" was inspired by Cinthio's "Epitia" and Whetstone's "Promos and Cassandra."
Considered a "dark" comedy, "Measure for Measure" was inspired by Cinthio's "Epitia" and Whetstone's "Promos and Cassandra."
The Merchant of Venice
The character of Shylock has raised a debate over whether the play should be condemned as anti-Semitic, and this controversy has overshadowed many other aspects of the play.
The character of Shylock has raised a debate over whether the play should be condemned as anti-Semitic, and this controversy has overshadowed many other aspects of the play.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
"The Merry Wives" is unique amongst Shakespeare's plays because it is set in Shakespeare's England. It features the Bard's beloved character, Falstaff.
"The Merry Wives" is unique amongst Shakespeare's plays because it is set in Shakespeare's England. It features the Bard's beloved character, Falstaff.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
A magical exploration of the mysteries of love, and one of Shakespeare's best-known comedies.
A magical exploration of the mysteries of love, and one of Shakespeare's best-known comedies.
Much Ado About Nothing
The story of two very different sets of lovers, Beatrice and Benedick and Claudio and Hero. The witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick is the highlight of the play.
The story of two very different sets of lovers, Beatrice and Benedick and Claudio and Hero. The witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick is the highlight of the play.
Pericles
Although the first half of the play is considered inadequate, "Pericles" is ripe with imagery and symbolism.
Although the first half of the play is considered inadequate, "Pericles" is ripe with imagery and symbolism.
The Taming of the Shrew
"The Taming of the Shrew" revolves around the troubled relationship between Katharina and her suitor, Petruchio, who is determined to mold Katharina into a suitable wife.
"The Taming of the Shrew" revolves around the troubled relationship between Katharina and her suitor, Petruchio, who is determined to mold Katharina into a suitable wife.
The Tempest
Hailed as a stunning climax to the career of England’s favorite dramatist, "The Tempest" is a play praising the glories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Some believe that Prospero’s final speeches signify Shakespeare’s personal adieu from the stage.
Hailed as a stunning climax to the career of England’s favorite dramatist, "The Tempest" is a play praising the glories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Some believe that Prospero’s final speeches signify Shakespeare’s personal adieu from the stage.
Troilus and Cressida
"Troilus and Cressida" is difficult to categorize because it lacks elements vital to both comedies and tragedies. But, for now, it is classified as a 'comedy.'
"Troilus and Cressida" is difficult to categorize because it lacks elements vital to both comedies and tragedies. But, for now, it is classified as a 'comedy.'
Twelfth Night
Shakespeare loved to use the device of mistaken identity, and nowhere does he use this convention more skillfully than in "Twelfth Night."
Shakespeare loved to use the device of mistaken identity, and nowhere does he use this convention more skillfully than in "Twelfth Night."
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
The tale of two friends who travel to Milan and learn about the chaotic world of courting.
The tale of two friends who travel to Milan and learn about the chaotic world of courting.
The Winter's Tale
"The Winter's Tale" is considered a romantic comedy, but tragic elements are interwoven throughout the play. First produced at the Globe around 1610, it is one of Shakespeare's final plays.
"The Winter's Tale" is considered a romantic comedy, but tragic elements are interwoven throughout the play. First produced at the Globe around 1610, it is one of Shakespeare's final plays.