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The Modern Scholar

Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies

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The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Harold Bloom
Narrated by: Professor Harold Bloom
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About this listen

 Shakespeare's seven great tragedies contain unmistakable elements that set them apart from any other plays ever written.

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare embodied in the character of Juliet the world's most impressive representation ever of a woman in love. With Julius Caesar, the great playwright produced a drama of astonishing and perpetual relevance. In Hamlet, Shakespeare created a character with the most brilliant mind in all of literature. And the character of Iago in Othello has been the very archetype of the villain ever since. King Lear presents audiences with unparalleled emotional and intellectual demands. Macbeth is a play of ruthless economy in which Shakespeare forces his audience into intimate sympathy with a man not far from being a mass murderer. Finally, in Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare created something entirely new: a vast political and historical conspectus involving the whole world.

©2005 Harold Bloom (P)2005 Recorded Books Classics Drama & Plays Literary History & Criticism Shakespeare
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Just when you think Bloom has wet his pa ts about one play, character, line, or moment in 'all of Shakespeare' he hits you with another.

In the end, I don't know more about the tragedies; I only know what Bloom thinks of them.

Bloom offers his singular genius

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These are enthralling lectures by the great Harold Bloom. He makes Shakespeare sound so exciting you’ll want to go and read the original texts, which is what Bloom also recommends. One of my favourite Audible listens.

The Best Shakespeare lectures you’ll ever listen to

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What did you like most about The Modern Scholar?

I`m always enthisiastic about The Modern Scholar. I`ve bought more than 20 books af them. I think it is my best way to learn English and simultaneously learning more about the whole world.

Who was your favorite character and why?

By Shakespeare I like most the tragedy of Cleopatra and about Othello. It`s amazing, how Shakespeare created real life figures. One can feel fear and love and all the others reasons.

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I `velisten other books of Proffesor Bloom too. I like his emphasis und ggod understanding of the stuff.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh no. It`s really to long. But i heard it more than once. And I like it eveyry time more.

Any additional comments?

I recommend the book without reservation. It`s great.

Harold Bloom make You loving Shakespeare

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Harold Bloom is my favourite critic of Shakespeare. Never boring with his insights, always erudite and filled with wit and wisdom. Highly recommended

Greatness decoded

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