The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Introduction

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re at least somewhat familiar with William Shakespeare. His works have been read and enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries, and there’s a good reason for that: they are truly magnificent. But did you know that Shakespeare wrote more than just plays? In fact, he wrote poems, sonnets, and other works as well. If you’re interested in learning more about his complete body of work, check out the following article. Here, we will explore The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

The Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors is a play by William Shakespeare that tells the story of two families, the Antons and the Castlegates, who are mistaken for one another. The error is first made by Antony and Cleopatra (portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton), who think they are visiting Caesar’s palace. The mistake is then made by their servants, who bring them wine from the wrong cupboard. When Antony and Cleopatra realise their mistake, they plot to get back at their servants.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Antonio and Clarissa (portrayed by Tony Curtis and Shirley MacLaine) are also visiting Caesar. They too make a mistake when they think they are visiting Cleopatra’s room instead of Antonio’s. This mistake leads to hilarious consequences for both families.

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. It has been performed in numerous versions throughout the years, including a 2012 production directed by John Madden that starred Tom Hiddleston, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Timothy Spall and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragic play written in the early 16th century by William Shakespeare. The play is set in Scotland and tells the story of Macbeth, a powerful king who begins to doubt his own judgment and falls prey to paranoia and hallucinations. Eventually, he murders his wife and fellow King Duncan in order to take control of Scotland and become its ruler.

King Lear

King Lear is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare. The story follows the titular king as he deals with the aftermath of his previous marital crisis, which has left him divided between three daughters. Lear is constantly challenged by the winds of change and his advisors, who try to guide him in the right direction. Ultimately, Lear’s madness leads to his downfall and tragic death.

Antony and Cleopatra

The story of Antony and Cleopatra follows their love affair as it rapidly deteriorates from passionate to desperate. They are determined to stay together, even if it means death, until finally their mutual demise. 
The Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors follows the misadventures of a group of royal visitors who mistakenly think they are visiting Caesar’s palace. Their servants then bring them wine from the wrong cupboard, resulting in hilarity and mischief.

Romeo and Juliet

There is no one definitive version of Romeo and Juliet. The play has been translated and adapted countless times, with different actors, directors, and settings bringing their own interpretation to the story. There are many different versions available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming services. Here is a look at three different interpretations that you may enjoy:

1. Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Film Version
Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is perhaps the most well-known rendition of the play. The film features an epic love story set against a beautiful backdrop of Verona. both leads are incredibly compelling characters and their passionate love scenes are legendary. If you’re looking for a faithful adaptation, this may be your best bet.

2. Kenneth Branagh’s 1990 Film Version
Branagh’s film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as Romeo and Juliet. It is an updated version of Shakespeare’s text that features new dialogue written specifically for the movie by Branagh himself. This version is more lighthearted than Zeffirelli’s version, but still retains the drama and romanticism of the original story.

3. Baz Luhrmann’s 1995 Film Version
Luhrmann’s take on Romeo and Juliet is perhaps the most controversial (and popular). His adaptation features a more contemporary setting and heavily stylized visuals that have been compared to works by Michelangelo or Andy Warhol.

The Tempest

The Tempest is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is about a shipwrecked group of sailors who are stranded on an island and must find a way to get back to the mainland. The play has been adapted for stage and film many times, most notably as a production by director Orson Welles for the Mercury Theatre on the Air in 1938.
The play opens with Prospero, the Duke of Milan, banishing his son, Antonio, from Milan for conspiring against him. Antonio has secretly married daughter of Duke Ferdinand of Naples, who has promised to help Antonio regain his dukedom.

In the harbor of Naples, a ship is preparing to depart for Milan. Within it are the illegitimate son of the Duke of Milan, Alonso, and his younger brother, Francisco. While at sea, a tempest arises that causes the ship to be wrecked on an island. The castaways include Alonso’s pregnant wife, Isabella; Antonio; Ferdinand; Miranda; and Gonzalo.

While on the island, the characters begin to quarrel and trade insults. Miranda is initially attracted to Ferdinand but falls in love with Alonso instead. The other characters also fall in love and fight over who should be with whom.

After several weeks on the island, they run out of food and water and begin to despair. Miranda hallucinates that she is being chased by a lion and declares that she will not leave until it has killed her. The others agree to send Gonzalo back for help but he is killed by a giant sea monster before he can return.

The group decides to build a raft and sail to the mainland. They are able to reach an island but are then attacked by natives who have been sent by Prospero to capture them. The group is able to fight back and return to the mainland, where they are greeted by Antonio and Isabella, who have been waiting for them.