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Death By Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings, and Broken Hearts

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Shakespeare's plays are full of death and violence. But what are the most common ways to die in a Shakespeare play?

Death By Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts

by Kathryn Harkup

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	334 pages

According to a study by the University of Warwick, the most common cause of death in Shakespeare's plays is murder. In fact, over one-third of all deaths in Shakespeare's plays are the result of murder.

The second most common cause of death in Shakespeare's plays is suicide. In fact, over one-quarter of all deaths in Shakespeare's plays are the result of suicide.

The third most common cause of death in Shakespeare's plays is accidents. In fact, over one-fifth of all deaths in Shakespeare's plays are the result of accidents.

Other common causes of death in Shakespeare's plays include:

Disease
Execution
Natural causes

It is interesting to note that the most common ways to die in a Shakespeare play have changed over time. In Shakespeare's early plays, the most common cause of death was murder. However, in Shakespeare's later plays, the most common cause of death was suicide.

This change in the most common cause of death in Shakespeare's plays may reflect a change in Shakespeare's own outlook on life. In his early plays, Shakespeare was more interested in the violence and brutality of the world. However, in his later plays, Shakespeare was more interested in the inner lives of his characters and the psychological causes of their deaths.

The variety of ways to die in a Shakespeare play is a testament to the bard's genius. Shakespeare was able to create a wide range of characters and situations, and he always found a way to kill them off in a memorable and meaningful way.

Here are some of the most famous deaths in Shakespeare's plays:

Hamlet: Hamlet is stabbed to death by Laertes with a poisoned sword.
Romeo and Juliet: Romeo and Juliet both drink poison and die.
Macbeth: Macbeth is beheaded by Macduff.
Othello: Othello smothers Desdemona to death.
King Lear: King Lear dies of a broken heart.

These are just a few of the many famous deaths in Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare's deaths are always memorable and meaningful, and they continue to fascinate and horrify audiences today.

Death By Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts

by Kathryn Harkup

4.6 out of 5