Shakespeare (Volume 2 of 2)

This volume presents a thoughtful exploration of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” framed as a series of lectures that examine how the play straddles comedy and tragedy. The narrator guides listeners through the work’s intricate balance of irony, moral ambiguity, and the subtle hand of a guiding force that steers the action without overt deus‑ex‑machina. By highlighting the play’s “lovingly severe” tone, the commentary reveals why its humor emerges from the tension between lofty ideals and human frailty.

Beyond the central analysis, the recording offers insight into the broader landscape of Shakespeare’s “laughter‑plays,” comparing them with the ethereal worlds of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest. Listeners will hear how the author categorises these works, noting the varying degrees of lightness and seriousness that define each piece. The scholarly notes on transcription and typographic quirks add a layer of historical texture, enriching the experience for anyone keen to understand the playwright’s nuanced craft.