Includes bibliographical references (pages [262]-271) and index
Introduction -- Part I : Understanding the text. 1. Shakespeare's language -- 2. Shakespeare's theatre -- 3. Shakespeare on stage -- 4. Shakespeare on film -- -- Part II : The genres. 5. Shakespeare's genres -- 6. Understanding comedy : The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, As You Like It and Twelfth Night -- 7. Understanding history : King Richard II, King Henry IV Part 1, King Henry V and King Richard III -- 8. Understanding tragedy : Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth and Othello -- 9. Understanding romance : The Winter's Tale and The Tempest -- Conclusion : the future of Shakespeare studies