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How Shakespeare Bought His Way into the Upper Class | Stephen Greenblatt

Johnathan Bi

CHAPTER

Shakespeare's Evolution: Characters and Motivations

This chapter examines how Shakespeare transformed morality plays by crafting nuanced characters like Falstaff and Iago, moving away from abstract representations. It delves into his motivations, including social ambition and skepticism towards theater's influence, while contrasting his grand aspirations in sonnets with the modest themes in his plays. The discussion highlights Shakespeare's duality as a playwright and poet, revealing his complex psyche and mastery in storytelling.

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