William Shakespeare is rightly 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, different eras and peoples were reflected. His works had a huge impact on all European literature. One of the most mysterious creators of the word posed the question to humanity: “To be or not to be?”, Giving everyone the opportunity to seek the answer themselves. Each of his creations is multifaceted and unique. The author compares the tragic with the comic, sometimes violating the unity of time of events and place.
In TOP-10 entered Shakespeare's most popular and best worksthe 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, which took place in England. In the center of the plot is King Henry IV, whose coming to power was marked by cardinal changes for the country. In addition to the king, Prince Harry, Sir Henry Percy, and one of the most comic characters - the jester-knight John Falstaff, are vivid characters in the chronicle.
9. The Taming of the Shrew
“The Taming of the Shrew”Is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. At the center of the witty, instructive and funny play is the obstinate and rude girl Katarina. Of the many applicants for grooms, only the young man Petruccio manages to tame the heroine with all sorts of tricks and tricks. The comedy is based on deep psychologism, and the main idea of the work that the author wanted to convey to the reader is that the person does not resist his purpose. Appearance says little about the inner content of human nature, and there is nothing secret in the world that would not become apparent.
8. Romeo and Juliet
“Romeo and Juliet"- the most striking and famous work of the English writer. The tragedy of the high and sincere feelings of adolescents to this day excites the hearts of young readers. The author was able to convey the whole tragedy of the events, the participants of which were young Romeo and Juliet. To prove the full depth of their feelings, young people have to sacrifice their own lives. In all world literature there is no “story sadder in the world than the story of Romeo and Juliet.”
7. Othello
“Othello”- one of the most popular plays by the master pen. In the center of the plot is the commander Othello and the daughter of the Venetian Senator Desdemona. Heroes in love get married and end up on the island of Cyprus, where a black commander must serve, and his wife is ready to share his fate with him. Othello is madly in love with his wife and terribly jealous of her. Passion blinded the husband and grains of mistrust towards his wife sunk into his soul. The hero is sure that Desdemona is cheating on him. His unsubstantiated suspicions lead to a tragic end.
6. Richard III
“Richard III”Is one of the greatest historical plays written by Shakespeare. The English king Richard III comes to power, whose reign will not last long. The ruler appears in the face of the reader as one of the most cruel historical figures. The dominant villain is devoid of all morality and is ready to commit new murders for the sake of the throne. On the other hand, a 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 whatever”Is one of Shakespeare’s most fun comedies. Events take place in a fictional country, referred to as Illyria. Her ruler, Duke Orsino, is in love with Countess Olivia and is about to ask for her hand. But the further cycle of events and the emergence of new faces in the play brings to life and feelings of the heroes of confusion. This is due to the fault of the twins - the sister of Viola and brother Sebastian, who accidentally fall into the country of Illyria after the shipwreck of their ship. Heroes are waiting for comic situations and incredible discoveries. The writer proved himself in this work as the greatest and witty master of the word.
4. Macbeth
“Macbeth”- the great tragedy of the English playwright, based on the story 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 about the prediction from three witches that he is destined to become king. The knight is about to fulfill the prophecy and kills the real king of Scotland Duncan. A shadow of suspicion falls on the heirs of Duncan, who are forced to leave the country. Realizing his cunning plan, Macbeth gets 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 dream in a summer night”- a popular Shakespearean comedy play about love. The works immerses the reader in the world of ancient Athens and the neighboring world of elves. Heroes become victims of an enchanted forest, once in which they commit incredible, bizarre and absurd acts. The juice of a magic flower growing in the forest inspires a person with love for the first person he meets. Amazing transformations and comic misunderstandings take place here, which at the end of the play will be resolved thanks to the Elven King Oberon.
2. King Lear
“King Lear”- the famous tragicomedy of the great master of the word on 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 eldest daughters assure the father of their meek and strong love. When it comes to the youngest daughter, she turns out to be stingy with words of love. The king did not like this, and then he decides to expel the unloving daughter from the kingdom and deprives her of his inheritance. For rash actions, Lear will have to pay. The elder offspring show their true face and leave their father with nothing. Meanwhile, the exiled kingdom daughter also becomes queen of France. She forgives her father and takes him to her.
1. Hamlet
“Hamlet”- the best of the works of the English playwright, who received worldwide fame. The tragedy is based on the legend of the Danish ruler. The plot of the play is tied to the fact that the main character Hamlet longs to find his father’s killer and avenge his death. The tragedy touched on many philosophical topics: the meaning of life and the destiny of man, about love and hate, loyalty and betrayal. The hero is deeply disappointed in love, friendship and doubts the rationality of the universe. Hamlet experiences unbearable mental suffering, which become one of the reasons for his death.