Shakespeare's plays

William Shakespeare

1564–1616

3 main genres (+1)

Tragedies, Comedies, Histories and Problem Plays

Tragedies

Focus on human suffering, downfall of a heroic or noble character.
Themes: fate, ambition, betrayal, revenge, madness.
End in death or destruction.
Examples:Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet

Comedies

Light-hearted, often involve mistaken identities, disguises, and romantic misunderstandings.
Themes: love, marriage, clever wordplay, happy endings.
End in reunions or weddings.
Examples:A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It

Histories

Based on the lives of English kings, especially from the Wars of the Roses.
Blend of fact and fiction, often used to explore national identity and leadership.
Examples: Richard III, Henry IV (Parts 1 & 2), Henry V

Problem plays

Blend elements of comedy and tragedy

Present dark or controversial themes (e.g. justice, power, gender, sexuality)

Often end in ambiguous or unsettling ways, not offering a clear resolution

Contain moral dilemmas that challenge both characters and audiences

Example: The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, All’s Well That Ends Well

Romances

Blend of tragedy and comedy.

Themes: redemption, forgiveness, magic, and reunion.

Examples: The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, Pericles, Cymbeline