This classic work of literature revolves around the character of Doctor Faustus, a scholar who is dissatisfied with traditional forms of knowledge and yearns for more. In his quest for ultimate power and understanding, he makes a deal with the devil, selling his soul in exchange for 24 years of service from the devil's agent, Mephistopheles. Despite the pleasures and knowledge he gains, Faustus eventually regrets his deal as he faces eternal damnation, symbolizing the human struggle between ambition and morality.

"Le Cid" is a dramatic play that follows the story of a young nobleman who is torn between love and honor. The protagonist is faced with a dilemma when he is ordered to kill his beloved's father in a duel to defend his own father's honor. Despite his love for his girlfriend, he chooses honor over love and kills her father, leading to a series of tragic events. The play explores themes of duty, honor, and the moral complexities of revenge.

The play centers around Jimmy Porter, an intelligent and educated but disaffected young man of working-class origin who is married to Alison, a woman from a more privileged background. Set in post-war Britain, the narrative captures the couple's volatile relationship and Jimmy's frustration with the lack of opportunities and the class structure that he feels traps him. The arrival of Alison's friend, Helena, adds further tension as she both criticizes and is attracted to Jimmy's raw passion. Themes of anger, class conflict, and disillusionment with the establishment are woven throughout the play, which ultimately explores the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

This classic play revolves around the life of King Henry IV, his son Prince Hal, and their turbulent kingdom. The kingdom is in chaos due to rebellions, and the king is disappointed with his son's irresponsible behavior. The prince, however, spends his time in taverns with the amusing and deceitful Falstaff. As the rebellion against the king grows, Prince Hal shows his true potential and bravery by not only saving his father in battle but also killing the leader of the rebellion, proving himself to be a worthy heir to the throne.

The play dramatizes the internal conflict of a 12th-century archbishop, Thomas Becket, as he grapples with the temptation of spiritual pride and the implications of defying King Henry II. Upon his return from exile, Becket faces pressure from the king and his own tempters to compromise his principles for safety and convenience. Ultimately, Becket chooses to embrace his role as a martyr, fulfilling his duty to God over the monarchy. His assassination in Canterbury Cathedral by the king's knights is depicted as an act of martyrdom, exploring themes of faith, loyalty, and the struggle between church and state.

This classic play is a pastoral comedy set in the Forest of Arden, where the banished Duke Senior and his followers live in exile. The plot revolves around various forms of love and mistaken identities. The main character, Rosalind, is the Duke's daughter who disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede to escape her uncle's court. She falls in love with Orlando, who is also in exile, and through a series of comedic and romantic events, they end up together. The play is famous for its exploration of love, freedom, and life in nature.

"The Satin Slipper" is a complex and symbolic narrative that explores the themes of love, faith, and destiny. Set in the 16th century, the story revolves around two characters, a Spanish conquistador and a married lady of the Spanish court, who are deeply in love but are kept apart by their respective duties and responsibilities. Their love story is intertwined with historical events and mythical elements, creating a rich tapestry of human emotions and spiritual contemplations.

The play is a satirical depiction of the gossip and hypocrisy found in the high society of 18th century London. It centers around two brothers with contrasting personalities, one appearing to be a model of virtue and the other a dissolute rake, and the schemes of a circle of wealthy, idle gossipmongers. The plot thickens with a series of misunderstandings, eavesdropping, and mistaken identities, all revolving around the brothers' romantic pursuits and the malicious spread of scandal. The narrative ultimately exposes the true characters of the individuals involved, revealing the seemingly virtuous brother to be hypocritical and the seemingly dissolute one to be honorable, thus critiquing the superficial judgments and moral corruption of the elite.

"Marivaux: Three Plays" is a collection of three significant works by a renowned 18th-century French playwright. The plays explore themes of love, deception, and class in the context of French society of the time. The characters are often caught in complex situations that test their moral values and emotional resilience, providing readers with a profound understanding of human nature and societal norms. The plays are known for their sophisticated language, psychological depth, and intricate plot twists, making them a classic in French literature.

This comedic play explores the life of a libertine nobleman who is infamous for his seduction of women. The protagonist is a man who lives by his own rules, unburdened by morality or religion, and who takes pleasure in manipulating others for his own gain. His actions eventually lead to his downfall when he refuses to repent for his sins, resulting in a dramatic, supernatural punishment.

This comedic play revolves around a middle-class man who aspires to elevate his social status and become a gentleman. He hires teachers to educate him in the arts, language, and manners of the upper class, but his lack of understanding and pretentious behavior only makes him look foolish. His obsession with his newly acquired 'gentleman' status strains his relationship with his sensible wife and daughter, and leads to a series of humorous and satirical incidents that mock the pretensions and hypocrisy of the society.

"The Miser" is a comedic play that revolves around a wealthy man who is so obsessed with his money that he neglects his own children. His son and daughter, both in love with people they cannot afford to marry due to their father's stinginess, scheme to trick him out of his wealth. The play satirizes the greed and hypocrisy of the upper class, while exploring themes of love, deception, and the value of money.

This classic play revolves around two pairs of lovers in the city of Messina. The first pair, Hero and Claudio, are young and innocent, while the second pair, Beatrice and Benedick, are older and more cynical about love. Throughout the plot, the couples face various challenges including deception, public humiliation, and the faked death of Hero. However, with the help of their friends and family, they overcome these obstacles and the story concludes with a joyful double wedding.

The play is a comedic and intellectual romp through Zurich during World War I, where the lives of historical figures like the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, the novelist James Joyce, and the communist revolutionary Lenin intersect through the unreliable memories of British consular official Henry Carr. The narrative is a playful, non-linear exploration of art, politics, and the nature of memory, blending slapstick humor with sharp wit and literary allusions. The work challenges the audience to consider the role of the artist in society and the impact of political upheaval on cultural expression, all while questioning the reliability of history and the very nature of truth itself.

"The White Devil" is a gripping and darkly captivating play that delves into the themes of revenge, corruption, and deceit. Set in 16th century Italy, the story follows the lives of two powerful families, the Brachiano and the Medici, as they engage in a web of treachery and manipulation. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the characters are consumed by their own desires, leading to a tragic and bloody climax. With its complex characters and intricate plot, "The White Devil" explores the depths of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

"The Norman Conquests" is a trilogy of plays that humorously depict a series of events from different perspectives, all taking place over one weekend in an English country house. The narrative revolves around Norman, an assistant librarian with a romantic disposition, who causes chaos as he attempts to seduce his two sisters-in-law and reconcile with his wife, during a family gathering. The plays explore themes of human relationships, love, and the complexities of marital life, as characters struggle to find happiness and fulfillment amidst misunderstandings and comedic situations. Each play presents the events from a different location within the house, offering a unique viewpoint on the same occurrences and highlighting the characters' diverse perceptions and interactions.

This compilation is a comprehensive collection of the literary output of a prominent 17th-century English poet, critic, and playwright. It encompasses a wide array of genres, including satirical verses, heroic couplets, and influential essays on dramatic theory. The author's work is notable for its wit, intellectual depth, and the adaptation of classical models for contemporary audiences. His plays and poems reflect the political and social milieu of Restoration England, and his critical essays are seminal in the development of literary criticism. The collection showcases the author's mastery of language and his significant contribution to English literature.

This classic play follows the story of a merchant in Venice who is in dire financial straits and borrows money from a Jewish moneylender, promising a pound of his own flesh as collateral. When he is unable to repay the debt, the moneylender demands his due, leading to a court case and moral dilemma about mercy and justice. Meanwhile, the moneylender's daughter elopes with a Christian, further complicating the relationships between characters. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, love, and the law.

"The Winter's Tale" is a tragicomedy that tells the story of Leontes, a king who unjustly accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend. Consumed by his jealousy, he orders her imprisonment, causing their son's death and supposedly leading to Hermione's death as well. After 16 years, Leontes is reunited with his daughter, believed to have died at birth but actually raised by a shepherd. The story concludes with a statue of Hermione coming to life, revealing that she had been alive all along, living in hiding. The play explores themes of jealousy, loss, redemption, and the healing power of time.

"The Homecoming" is a play that delves into the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family when the eldest son returns home after a long absence. Set in North London, the story unfolds in the family's house, where the son introduces his wife to his domineering father, his uncle, and his two brothers. Tensions rise as the family's power struggles and hidden resentments come to the fore, leading to a shocking and unsettling realignment of relationships within the household. The play explores themes of power, sexuality, and the search for identity within the confines of a seemingly traditional family structure.

This classic play is a comedic tale of love, deception, and transformation. It focuses on the courtship of Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio breaks down her resistance with various psychological torments. The play ends with the tamed Katherina the most obedient wife among three couples, raising questions about the roles of men and women.

The play follows the young King Henry V as he ascends to the throne following his father's death. Despite his wild and reckless past, Henry proves himself to be a capable leader and an inspiring orator. He leads his outnumbered English army to victory against the French at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War. The play explores themes of leadership, power, war, and nationalism, and is known for its powerful speeches and dramatic battle scenes.

This collection presents all the dramatic works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, known for his mastery of French classical tragedy. The plays explore themes of love, power, tragedy, and the complex dynamics of political and personal life. The author's poetic style, psychological depth, and exploration of classical themes have made him one of the most influential figures in French drama. The collection includes both his well-known and lesser-known works, providing a comprehensive look at his contribution to theatre.

This collection of plays by a renowned 17th-century French dramatist features a variety of works that have significantly influenced the development of classical French tragedy. The plays often explore themes of honor, fate, and moral integrity, with complex characters who grapple with high-stakes moral and ethical dilemmas. The author's skillful use of language and his innovative approach to dramatic structure and characterization have made these plays enduring classics of French literature.

The play is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, which follows the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, as she defies the laws of the state to bury her brother Polynices, who has been declared a traitor and whose body has been condemned to remain unburied. Antigone's actions set her at odds with Creon, the ruler of Thebes, leading to a profound exploration of the conflict between individual conscience and state law, the role of fate, and the nature of morality. As Antigone's resolve leads her to tragic consequences, the play delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the human cost of absolute power.