The Meaning of Shakespeare (1951)

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Waldstein: Mr Goddard has written a study which examines Shakespeare's complete plays as a whole, as one huge and unified body of work. Although each chapter is dedicated to one play, cross references with others (and occasionally with the sonnets) abound. The separate chapters can still be read as independent essays, albeit some broader nuances may be lost, but they do require familiarity at least with the play in question. Mr Goddard seldom discusses plots and characters in general; his comments are specific, provocative and often deal with psychology. They are really suitable only for those already familiar with the play in question. So, in short, Shakespeare's Complete Works is the olbigatory companion volume.… (more)