Shakespeare's Problem Plays

Tillyard considers four of Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well that Ends Well, and Measure for Measure 'problem plays. In a problem play according to Tillyard speculative thought and the observation of human nature are not fully integrated into the action of the play, but rather have disproportionate space in the play in their own right. Problem plays too deal with characters on the verge of adulthood who must face difficult realities which lead them towards maturity. Tillyard argues that the Plays are not as gloomy as many might think. He also does not like the kind of criticism which makes simple links between some imagined crisis in the life of Shakespeare and the writing of the plays. He also stresses that the theme of 'mercy and forgiveness' is central in these plays most especially in 'Measure for Measure'. This is a thoughtful critical study.