"We cannot arrive at Shakespeare's whole dramatic way of looking at the world from his tragedies alone, as we can arrive at Milton's way of regarding things, or at Wordsworth's or at Shelley's, by examining almost any one of their important works"
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Andrew Coyle Bradley's quote suggests that understanding Shakespeare's detailed perspective on the world requires more than just examining his catastrophes, whereas the full scope of Milton's, Wordsworth's, or Shelley's worldviews can be quicker determined from private considerable works. This shows a complexity and diversity in Shakespeare's oeuvre that identifies him from other poets and playwrights in literary history.
Bradley's observation initially acknowledges the thematic and stylistic variety within Shakespeare's body of work, which covers not just catastrophes but likewise funnies, histories, and romances. Each category brings a distinct lens to his expedition of human nature and social dynamics. For instance, while catastrophes like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" explore the darker aspects of aspiration, power, and existential dread, his comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" frequently celebrate love, consistency, and the intricacies of human relationships through lighter, more optimistic narratives. Hence, to understand the full level of Shakespeare's worldview, one must think about the breadth of his works.
In contrast, Bradley indicates that poets like Milton, Wordsworth, and Shelley show a more constant thematic existence throughout their oeuvre, such that an extensive study of any one particular work can provide substantial insight into their approaches and stylistic tendencies. Milton's legendary "Paradise Lost", for example, weaves a consistent thread of theological expedition and human fallibility, agent of his broader literary pursuits. Likewise, Wordsworth's and Shelley's works frequently focus on themes of nature, feeling, and the sublime, offering a narrower, albeit extensive, window into their creative and philosophical endeavours.
Bradley's declaration highlights the special challenge postured by Shakespeare's works: to understand his multifaceted point of view, one should engage with the full spectrum of human experience portrayed across diverse remarkable forms, reflecting a singular richness and depth that is unparalleled.
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