Where can you look for clues about theme in a piece of literature? a. in the ways a character behaves, or in the things they say and think b. in the actions and events of a story both a and b

awnser: the oxford dictionary of quotations (oup 1970) has 66 pages of quotations

attributed to the writings of william shakespeare in which there are 2369 quotations,

which may reflect well over 5000 speeches, discussions, observations and comments

that are present in shakespeare’s work. it is largely from those speeches and discussions

on shakespeare’s 37 plays, as well as his, and others’ poems, that examples have been

taken here.

in this book all quotations from his poems and plays have been taken from various

editions of the arden shakespeare.

the writer is very much indebted to the rapid response provided by his son, henry

audley-charles , for cries of , guidance, advice and repairs to his ageing pc, that

henry provided at all hours. without this assistance over the last 3 years this book

could not have been written.

in addition, the writer is much for the kind by discussion and proof readings from

elizabeth macbeth and janet hulse; and for his knowledge of shakespeare’s plays and

poems in discussions with monsieur francis saillart; and especially for years of proof

reading, support and with this book from my wife brenda amy cordeiro. above

all, the debt i owe is to professor david price, vice provost research. he has acted as

the editor and the guide for the whole project. this has been far from easy with

changes repeatedly being made by the author and which continued after professor price

had provided all the editorial structure for this project.