

Ep 87 - Appreciating Shakespeare on My Birthday
22 snips Mar 17, 2025
The hosts celebrate Shakespeare's genius while reflecting on the significance of exploring his works. They dive deep into existential themes in 'Macbeth' and 'Hamlet,' discussing life, death, and Hamlet's angst. The conversation highlights Shakespeare's theatrical mastery through minimalist staging and political themes in 'Julius Caesar' and 'King Lear.' Listeners also discover the evolution of narrative genius in 'The Tempest' and the creative defiance that defined his innovative style. A birthday celebration infused with literary passion!
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Engage with Shakespeare
- Deepen your Shakespeare engagement by joining the Hardcore Literature Book Club.
- Access lectures and discussions at patreon.com/hardcoreliterature.
Macbeth's Despair
- Macbeth's soliloquy, delivered after his wife's death, expresses profound futility.
- It's a powerful exploration of existential angst and the meaninglessness of life.
Macbeth Soliloquy
- Benjamin McEvoy has memorized Macbeth's final soliloquy and frequently reflects on it.
- He highlights the irony of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth being Shakespeare's best couple.