Shakespeare’s Problem Plays

Shakespeare’s Problem Plays by Eustace Mandeville Wetenhall Tillyard, published by Penguin Books in 1993, offers an insightful examination of four of Shakespeare’s works: Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All’s Well That Ends Well, and Measure for Measure. This edition, comprising 154 pages, delves into the complexities of these plays, highlighting Shakespeare’s exploration of speculative thought and human nature.

In this analysis, Tillyard focuses on the characters who are navigating the challenges of growing up, emphasizing the harsh experiences that shape their journeys. The book presents a detailed discussion of the themes and issues that arise in these problem plays, inviting readers to reflect on the intricacies of literature and fiction. Through this exploration, Tillyard provides a framework for understanding the nuanced portrayals of manhood and maturity within Shakespeare’s work.