Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-277) and index.
Shakespeare's language (1) -- Shakespeare's language (2) -- Types of stage action -- What the plays mean in performance -- What is genre? -- Understanding comedy: The Taming of the shrew, A Midsummer night's dream and The Merchant of Venice -- Understanding history: King Richard II, King Henry IV part I and King Henry V -- Understanding tragedy: Hamlet, King Lear and Othello -- Understanding the mixed-genre plays: Measure for measure and Troilus & Cressida -- Understanding romance: The Winter's tale and The Tempest.