1907 edition

This creep-o macabre drama really appeals to my sick sense of humor. While I hate to admit it, I often have a difficult time getting into literature pre-dating the nineteenth century (blasphemous, I know!) However, this play, like much of Shakespeare's work, is full of poignant observations that remind one of the consistency in human nature over centuries, for better or for worse. ( )

This is great example of a Jacobean tragedy. There is the virtuous woman, betrayed by her greedy and malicious brothers. There is the instrument of evil deeds that is redeemed (but not saved from his own untimely death). There are the requisite ending scenes full of dead bodies and profound speeches from said dying persons. There are some famous lines ("Mine eyes dazzle: she di'd too young" is one that jumped out at me). Drama as a genre isn't one I turn to for entertainment, but this was definitely worth the re-read. ( )