Exploring Shakespeare's Rhetoric and Character Complexity

This chapter delves into the powerful and intricate speeches in Shakespeare's plays, exploring characters like Richard III and Henry V. It discusses the thematic exploration of rhetoric, ethical implications of persuasive language, and the discomfort in teaching texts that incite war and violence. The conversation also reflects on the character complexity of figures like Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice', examining the evolving interpretations of Shakespeare's characters through a modern lens.