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Discovering Great Plays As Literature And As Philosophy

Dakota Powell

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When we think of great plays, we often think of them as works of art meant to be performed on stage. But great plays are not just meant to be performed. They are also great works of literature and philosophy that can be read and enjoyed on their own.

Discovering Great Plays: As Literature and as Philosophy

by Leonard Peikoff

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, we will explore some of the greatest plays ever written and see how they can be appreciated as both literature and philosophy.

Great Plays As Literature

As literature, great plays are works of art that use language to create a vivid and engaging experience for the reader. They tell stories, explore characters, and offer insights into the human condition.

Some of the greatest playwrights in history include William Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen, and Anton Chekhov. Shakespeare's plays are known for their beautiful language, complex characters, and timeless themes. Ibsen's plays explore social and psychological issues, while Chekhov's plays are known for their realism and humor.

When reading a great play as literature, it is important to pay attention to the language, the characters, and the themes. The language of a play can be beautiful, evocative, and powerful. The characters can be complex, relatable, and inspiring. And the themes can be timeless and universal.

Great Plays As Philosophy

In addition to being great works of literature, great plays are also great works of philosophy. They explore big questions about life, death, meaning, and purpose.

For example, Shakespeare's plays explore the nature of love, ambition, and power. Ibsen's plays explore the nature of society and the individual. And Chekhov's plays explore the nature of suffering and the human condition.

When reading a great play as philosophy, it is important to pay attention to the themes and the ideas that are being explored. The themes of a play can be complex and multifaceted. And the ideas that are being explored can be profound and challenging.

Great plays are not just meant to be performed on stage. They are also great works of literature and philosophy that can be read and enjoyed on their own. When we read great plays, we can experience the power of language, explore complex characters, and grapple with big questions about life.

I encourage you to explore some of the great plays that have been written throughout history. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them.

Discovering Great Plays: As Literature and as Philosophy

by Leonard Peikoff

5 out of 5