Shakespeare's Annotations Series - The Tragedy of Love

Author: (English) William Shakespeare, annotated by Yin Yao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-29
Features: A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's early comedies with the most cheerful tone. The plot summary is as follows: The King of Navarre and three noble courtiers vow to abstain from sensual pleasures for three years. However, the King of France sends his princess, accompanied by three maids, to negotiate the ownership of a territory. The four men quickly abandon their initial resolve and fall in love with each other. Thus, the four pairs of lovers stage a series of romantic and comical antics. Suddenly, a French messenger arrives to report the death of the French King, forcing the princess to return immediately. The princess, on behalf of the women, sets a condition: the men must wait for a year to see if their behavior changes. The four ladies depart gracefully. Although the play is titled A Midsummer Night's Dream, the plot ultimately demonstrates that love can conquer all. Shakespeare creates many laugh-out-loud comedic moments through clever plot devices, mocking the asceticism that shuns love as well as the blindness of love. The entire play is filled with wordplay and puns. It encompasses all social strata, from the king and ministers to farmers and clowns, each character's language reflecting their unique identities. The play also interweaves fresh and beautiful songs and folk ballads, which are poetic and exude the fragrance of the English countryside, fully showcasing Shakespeare's linguistic genius.