Soo... Good Talk?

Over the past several episodes, we've explored some of the common themes presented in Shakespeare's married couples that hint at how he felt about marriage.

1. In Julius Caesar, Calpurnia and Portia are clear examples of what happens when you don't listen to your wife.
2. From Portia and Bassanio to Jessica and Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice - marriage doesn't guarantee a happily ever after - but in finding common ground and a shared vision for life with your partner - happiness is within reach.
3. As demonstrated by Kate and Petruchio, marriage is a partnership and requires teamwork as you play the game of life.

There is one more concept that appears in Shakespeare's plays frequently from his most famous couples to those lesser known. Trust.

Trust and respect is pivotal in nearly all relationships in Shakespeare, and he offers some pretty drastic consequences for letting a marriage break.

Today, we’ll look at two plays that sum up what we feel his perspective on marriage may have been... Macbeth and The Winter's Tale.