Shakespeare: Heroes and Villains - West Bridgford Library - Adult Learning

About this course

This course explores the complex characters of William Shakespeare’s plays, focusing on the heroes and villains that have captivated audiences for centuries. Through a detailed analysis of selected works, learners will examine the traits, motivations, and actions that define these iconic figures. The course will also consider the historical and cultural contexts that influenced Shakespeare’s portrayal of heroism and villainy.

1.Introduction to Shakespearean Drama

• Overview of Shakespeare’s life and times
• The structure and elements of Shakespearean plays

2.Defining Heroes and Villains

• Characteristics of heroes and villains in literature
• Shakespeare’s unique approach to these archetypes

3.Case Studies of Heroes

• The tragic hero
• The heroic king

4.Case Studies of Villains

• The master manipulator
• The ambitious tyrant
• The schemer

5.Historical and Cultural Contexts

• Elizabethan and Jacobean England
• Political and social influences on Shakespeare’s writing

6.Modern Interpretations

• Adaptations and reinterpretations of Shakespeare’s heroes and villains in contemporary media

You will be better equipped to: 

• Understand the characteristics and motivations of Shakespeare’s heroes and villains.
• Analyse the development of these characters within the context of the plays.
• Explore the themes of morality, power, and human nature as depicted in Shakespeare’s works.
• Discuss the historical and cultural influences on Shakespeare’s writing.

Booking your place and fee information

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course  please visit our webpage for further information  https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/

To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

• Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING.
• Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

• Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
• Tees Valley
• West of England
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire

Any questions?

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

• By phone: 01623 677 200
• By email: learning@inspireculture.org.uk

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