by William Shakespeare is rightfully called the greatest humanist of the Renaissance. The creative heritage of the great playwright of all time includes 11 tragedies, 17 comedies, 10 historical chronicles, as well as poems and poems. In the plays of the English writer, various epochs and peoples were reflected. His works had a huge impact on all European literature. One of the most mysterious creators of the word posed to humanity the question: "To be or not to be?", Giving everyone the opportunity to seek the answer itself. Each of his creations is multifaceted and unrepeatable. The author compares the tragic with the comic, sometimes disrupting the unity of time events and places.
The top-10 includes the most popular and best works of Shakespeare's , the list of which is presented below.
10
King Henry IV
" King Henry IV " opens the top ten creations of the great playwright of England. The work is a historical chronicle-dilogy, which describes the political and military events of the 15th century that took place in England. In the center of the plot, King Henry IV, whose coming to power was marked for the country by cardinal changes. In addition to the king, bright personalities in the chronicle include Prince Harry, Sir Henry Percy, as well as one of the most comic characters - knight-jester John Falstaff.
9
The Taming of the Shrew
" The Taming of the Shrew " is one of the most popular comedies of William Shakespeare. In the center of the witty, instructive and cheerful play is the obstinate and rude girl Katarina. Of the many pretenders to the grooms, only the young man Petruccio manages to tame the hero with all sorts of tricks and tricks. The comedy contains profound psychologism, and the main idea of the work, which the author wanted to convey to the reader, is that a person does not oppose his destiny. Appearance says little about the inner content of human nature, and there is nothing in the secret world that would not become obvious.
8
Romeo and Juliet
" Romeo and Juliet " - the most vivid and famous work of the English writer. The tragedy about the high and sincere feelings of adolescents to this day worries the hearts of young readers. The author was able to convey the tragedy of the events, the participants of which were young Romeo and Juliet. To prove the depth of their feelings, young people have to sacrifice their own lives. In all world literature there is "a sadder story than the story of Romeo and Juliet".
7
Othello
" Othello " - one of the most popular plays by the master of the pen. In the center of the plot is the commander Othello and the daughter of the Venetian senator Desdemona. Enamored heroes marry and go to the island of Cyprus, where a black general should serve, and his wife is ready to share with him the fate. Othello is madly in love with his wife and terribly jealous of her. Passion blinded her husband and his heart was filled with a grain of distrust towards his wife. The hero is sure that Desdemona is cheating on him. His unreasonable suspicions lead to a tragic end.
6
Richard III
" Richard III " is one of the greatest historical plays written by Shakespeare. King Richard Richard III comes to power, whose board will not last long. The ruler appears in the face of the reader as one of the most cruel historical figures. The ruling villain is devoid of all morality and is ready to commit new and new murders for the throne. On the other hand, the cold-blooded killer is presented as an unusually talented person. The historical personality is more exaggerated by the writer and has nothing to do with reality.
5
Twelfth Night, or Anything
« Twelfth Night, or Anything » - one of the most cheerful comedies of Shakespeare. Events take place in a fictional country, called Illyria. Her ruler Duke Orsino is in love with Countess Olivia and is about to ask her hands. But the further cycle of events and the appearance of new faces in the play brings to life the feelings of the heroes of confusion. This is due to the fault of the twins - the sister of Viola and brother Sebastian, who accidentally enter the country of Illyria, after the shipwreck of their ship. Heroes are waiting for comical situations and incredible discoveries. The writer showed himself in this work as the greatest and witty master of the word.
4
Macbeth
" Macbeth " is a great tragedy of an English playwright, based on the history of King Macbeth of Scotland. This is one of the most sinister and bloodthirsty characters in Shakespeare's work. The brave Scottish warrior Macbeth, who won many victories in the military field, learns of the prediction from the three witches that he is destined to become king. The knight is going to fulfill the prophecy and kills the real king of Scotland Duncan. The shadow of suspicion falls on the heirs of Duncan, who are forced to leave the country. Having embodied his treacherous plan, Macbeth receives the throne. But the legitimate heirs are not going to give up so easily and are plotting against the wicked ruler.
3
A Midsummer Night's Dream
« A Midsummer Night's Dream » is a popular Shakespeare comedy about love. Works immerses the reader in the world of ancient Athens and the neighboring world of elves. Heroes become victims of the enchanted forest, hitting into which they make incredible, bizarre and absurd acts. The juice of a magical flower growing in the forest inspires a man with love for the first person he meets. Here there are amazing transformations and comical misunderstandings, which at the end of the play are resolved thanks to the king of elves Oberon.
2
King Lear
" King Lear " is a famous tragicomedy of the great master of the word about morality. Lear has three daughters between whom he must share his possessions. The old king asks each of the daughters about their love for him. The older daughters assure their father of their uncomplaining and strong love. When the turn comes to the youngest daughter, then she turns out to be mean to the words of love. It did not please the king, and then he decides to expel the unloved daughter from the kingdom and deprives her of the inheritance. For ill-considered actions, Lear will have to pay. The older offspring show their true face and leave their father with nothing. Meanwhile, the exiled daughter of the kingdom, becomes the queen of France. She forgives her father and takes him to her.
1
Hamlet
" Hamlet " - the best of the works of an English playwright, which has gained worldwide fame. The basis for the tragedy lay the legend of the Danish ruler. The plot of the play is tied on the fact that the main character Hamlet is eager to find the murderer of his father and avenge his death. In the tragedy, many philosophical themes are touched upon: the meaning of life and destiny of man, about love and hatred, loyalty and betrayal. The hero is deeply disappointed in love, friendship and doubts the rationality of the universe. Hamlet experiences unbearable mental suffering, which is one of the reasons for his death.