Characters of Shakespeare's Plays

"Characters of Shakespeare's Plays" by William Hazlitt is a critical analysis written in the early 19th century. This work explores the nuances of various characters from Shakespeare's plays, providing an in-depth examination of their traits, motivations, and relationships. Hazlitt’s admiration for Shakespeare is palpable, as he seeks to illustrate the playwright’s genius in character creation and dramatic artistry. The opening of the book sets the stage for Hazlitt's profound examination of Shakespeare's characters. It highlights Hazlitt's own background, his encounters with influential literary figures like Coleridge, and the intellectual environment of his time. Hazlitt's love for Shakespeare's characters emerges as he prepares to delve into a discussion on plays such as "Cymbeline," "Macbeth," and "Julius Caesar," among others, expressing his intention to showcase how each character reflects deeper philosophical themes and human emotions. This introduction serves not only as a backdrop to the author's analysis but also as a testament to Hazlitt's belief that understanding these characters is vital for grasping the broader human experience portrayed in Shakespeare's works. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Hazlitt was an English essayist, drama and literary critic, painter, social commentator, and philosopher. He is now considered one of the greatest critics and essayists in the history of the English language, placed in the company of Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. He is also acknowledged as the finest art critic of his age. Despite his high standing among historians of literature and art, his work is currently little read and mostly out of print.