The Irony of Idealism in Shakespeare's Problem Comedies

The purpose of this book is to analyze some ideal concepts such as love, justice, war, law and honesty by taking the term “irony” into consideration in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, All’s Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure. Based upon these analyses, it has been asserted that Shakespeare criticized the values that his society has ironically through these plays. Based upon the views of critics, some information about “problem plays” has been given in the introduction part. In Troilus and Cressida, it has been explained how the themes of war and love are juxtaposed. All’s Well That Ends Well is the second play of the book and it has been asserted that themes of love and honesty have been reflected ironically. The last play to be dealt with is Measure for Measure. In this play, it has been emphasized that there may occur disorders in the society if the laws are not applied properly. As a consequence, Shakespeare’s manipulations of the related values and his way of employing “idealism” ironically in the plays lies in the basis of this book.