William Shakespeare is widely considered as one of the greatest writers of all time His works have been translated and adapted for centuries, with many of his plays still being performed today. His later works, specifically those written from approximately 1608 onward, are notable for their experimentation and complexity.
Shakespeare’s later works are marked by a greater focus on language in comparison to his earlier plays. He incorporates more metaphor and wit in the dialogue, and often employs a more subtle approach to expressing emotion. His later works have a greater range of themes and characters, including more morally ambiguous characters and explorations of the human condition.
Below are five of the best examples of Shakespeare’s later works:
1. Hamlet: One of Shakespeare’s most beloved and complex works, Hamlet follows the titular prince of Denmark as he navigates matters of love and politics in a tumultuous court. Considered a masterpiece of tragedy, the play touches on themes of mortality and revenge, and features a range of characters with varying motivations.
2. The Winter’s Tale: As one of the few comedies written in later life, The Winter’s Tale has added poignancy due to its departure from Shakespeare’s usual genre. It follows the story of a man whose jealousy leads him to make a tragic mistake, but ultimately finds redemption through the power of forgiveness.
3. Macbeth: Macbeth presents a darker side to the human condition, exploring themes of ambition and guilt. Using a highly symbolic narrative and poetic language, the play follows a man’s downfall and descent into madness as he is driven by his own hubris and paranoia.
4. The Tempest: The Tempest is the last complete play that Shakespeare wrote. This fantasy tale features the exiled Prospero, who uses sorcery to exact revenge on his enemies while simultaneously teaching important lessons to his daughter. The play also examines themes of power and responsibility, as well as the consequences of revenge.
5. King Lear: As one of Shakespeare’s longest and most complex works, King Lear is a tragic tale that follows a ruler’s descent into madness as he suffers a crisis of faith. In it, Shakespeare explores the relationships between rulers and their subjects, as well as between family members, and the power of love and loyalty.
These five examples of Shakespeare’s later works showcase a range of styles, themes, and genres that he was exploring in the later years of his life. His works are as relevant today as they were centuries ago, and continue to be studied and appreciated by audiences all over the world.