Books in the Arden Student Skills: Language and Writing series

A new type of study guide which combines an exploration of Shakespeare's language with specific help for students looking to develop their own critical responses and skills. Laurie Maguire offers a lively critical account of Othello and practical ideas on how best to engage with and write about this ever popular play.

"This lively and informative guide reveals Hamlet as marking a turning point in Shakespeare's use of language and dramatic form as well as addressing the key problem at the play's core: Hamlet's inaction. It also looks at recent critical approaches to the play and its theatre history, including the recent David Tennant / RSC Hamlet on both stage and TV screen"--

Frances E. Dolan examines the puzzling pronouns and puns, the love poetry, mischief, and disguises of Twelfth Night, exploring its themes of grief, obsessive love, social climbing and gender identity, and helping you towards your own close-readings.

Everyone knows the story of the star-crossed lovers but close attention to the language of the play can deepen and darken the legend. As icons of passion, Romeo and Juliet reveal the recklessness, as well as the idealism, of desire in a violent world. Catherine Belsey shows how you can tease out the play''s subtle meanings and goes on to discuss key adaptations, including the classic Baz Lurhmann film.