The Eyes of Asia: William Shakespeare's Portrayal of Asia in His Plays

William Shakespeare, the renowned English playwright and poet, lived during a time of great exploration and discovery. The world was expanding rapidly, and Europeans were encountering new cultures and peoples for the first time. Asia, in particular, was a source of fascination and mystery for the Elizabethans. Shakespeare's plays reflect this fascination, and he often incorporated Asian characters and settings into his work.

Shakespeare's first play to feature an Asian character was Titus Andronicus, written in 1594. The play is set in ancient Rome, and it tells the story of a general who returns from war with a group of Moorish prisoners. One of these prisoners is Aaron, a cunning and ambitious man who quickly becomes a central figure in the play. Aaron is often seen as a villain, but he is also a complex and sympathetic character. He is intelligent, resourceful, and determined, and he ultimately achieves his goals, even if they are evil ones.

The eyes of Asia

by William Shakespeare

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	45 pages
Paperback	:	132 pages
Item Weight	:	5.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.33 x 8.27 inches

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Shakespeare's other plays that feature Asian characters include The Merchant of Venice, Othello, and The Tempest. In The Merchant of Venice, the character of Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who is mistreated by the Christian characters in the play. Shylock is a complex and tragic figure, and his story has been interpreted in many different ways. Some see him as a victim of anti-Semitism, while others see him as a villain who deserves his fate.

In Othello, the title character is a Moorish general who is married to a white woman. Othello is a noble and honorable man, but he is ultimately betrayed by his friend Iago. Othello is a tragedy that explores the themes of racism, jealousy, and betrayal.

In The Tempest, the character of Ariel is a spirit who is enslaved by the magician Prospero. Ariel is a powerful and magical creature, but he is also a victim of Prospero's tyranny. The Tempest is a complex play that explores the themes of power, freedom, and forgiveness.

Shakespeare's portrayal of Asia in his plays is complex and multifaceted. He often uses Asian characters and settings to explore themes of race, religion, and culture. His plays offer a valuable window into the Elizabethan worldview, and they continue to be relevant and thought-provoking today.

Here are some of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare's plays about Asia:

• "The quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath." (The Merchant of Venice)
• "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." (Othello)
• "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." (The Tempest)

These quotes are just a small sample of the many insights that Shakespeare offers into the human condition. His plays are a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty, and they continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

The eyes of Asia

by William Shakespeare

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	45 pages
Paperback	:	132 pages
Item Weight	:	5.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.33 x 8.27 inches

FREE