The Mystical Art of Shakespeare Volume II
The Meaning of The Taming of the Shrew & Romeo and Juliet
The Mystical Art of Shakespeare Volume II explains how Shakespeare meticulously crafted every scene of The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo & Juliet to each convey its central spiritual message, using three unique Shakespearean techniques: cohesive unity, thematic resonance, and focused allegorical scenes.
Shakespeare’s plays are poetical masterpieces that not only mesmerize us with their lyrical beauty but also convey sage messages critically important to humanity. This means that Shakespeare is a greater literary genius than previously thought, and his plays more wonderful and profound than previously imagined.
This book is written as a running commentary of the two plays so readers can follow the narrative of The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo & Juliet like reading a novel. The increased understanding from the commentary intensifies the drama and reflects how Shakespeare conveys his spiritual messages through our emotional involvement. It is akin to learning by direct experience—the initiatic quality that makes Shakespeare’s plays an invaluable gift to humanity.
The Mystical Art of Shakespeare Volume II: The Meaning of The Taming of the Shrew & Romeo and Juliet (Amazon site)
Sample Chapters
The Mystical Art of Shakespeare
The transcendent light that burns within the text of a Shakespearean play is conveyed to us, in true mystical fashion, by absorbing our very being into the enactment of its meaning. The message of the play is not conveyed intellectually; it is experienced. The mystical art of Shakespeare is thus the art of initiation. Shakespeare conveys his meaning by making us live through it.
This chapter also presents the three unique techniques that Shakespeare employs to convey his meaning: Cohesive Unity, Thematic Resonance and Focused Allegorical Scenes. Read more …
Romeo and Juliet: Act I Scene 5
The earlier scenes of Act I are preliminary actions that set the scene for the culmination of the first movement in Romeo and Juliet, which is Act I Scene 5, the final scene before the chorus reappears to introduce us to the rest of the play.
The entire final scene from Act I plays out like a carefully crafted dramatic symphony, its deep meaning heavily imbued with passion. This is true mystical theatre, fulfilling the ultimate purpose behind the esoteric art of the mystery play—a play enacted as a form of initiation, where the spiritual message is transmitted to the initiate in the form of an emotional appeal that touches the depths of his inner being. Thus, like a mystery play, this dramatic scene at the Capulet’s feast is designed to bring forth a realization that is emotionally felt rather than intellectualized, such that we learn by living through the experience. This entire scene warrants scrutiny. Read more …