After writing a series of sparkling romantic comedies, Shakespeare turned to more troubling themes in several works now known as problem plays. Featuring comic episodes, tragic or near-tragic plot developments, and satirical elements, the problem plays raise serious questions about love, marriage, social hierarchies, and the responsibilities of leadership.

In this course, we will explore two of the problem plays: Troilus and Cressida and All’s Well that Ends Well. Osher learners who have taken the recent course on Troilus and Criseyde will find Shakespeare’s take on the story a fascinating follow-up to Chaucer’s poem. All’s Well that Ends Well concerns a plucky upwardly mobile heroine who relentlessly pursues a goal of questionable value.

By the end of the course, learners will have developed fresh insights into the problem play genre and gained the confidence and skills necessary to interpret other works by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Although it will include some lecture, the course will be primarily discussion-based. Readings will include an annotated edition of each play and a few relevant articles and/or book excerpts.