A study guide to "Much Ado About Nothing," Shakespeare's tale of deceptions, secrets, and misunderstanding, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

A study guide to "The Merchant of Venice," Shakespeare's tale of courtship and contention, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

A study guide to "King Lear," Shakespeare's tale of suffering and redemption, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

A study guide to "Julius Caesar," Shakespeare's tale of friendship and betrayal, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

A study guide to "Twelfth Night," Shakespeare's tale of melancholy dispelled by festivity, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.

A study guide to "Hamlet," Shakespeare's tale of murder and revenge, providing background on Shakespeare's life and times, discussing his use of language, examining the history of critical response to the drama, and including advice to students on how to respond to and write about the play.