Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb is a fascinating attempt to make Shakespeare’s plays more accessible to young readers. Originally published in 1807, the book simplifies the complex plots and language of Shakespeare’s plays while maintaining their core themes and emotional depth. It serves as both an introduction to Shakespeare and a literary work in its own right, blending storytelling with a deep respect for the original plays.The Lambs retell twenty of Shakespeare’s plays, with Mary handling most of the comedies and Charles taking charge of the tragedies. The narratives remain faithful to the originals but are presented in a way that a younger audience can understand. The language is elegant but simpler than Shakespeare’s, and the stories flow smoothly, making them easy to read. While the beauty of Shakespeare’s verse is lost, the emotional impact and dramatic tension remain intact. The book succeeds in capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s work, offering a bridge between children’s literature and classic drama.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. The Lambs manage to condense Shakespeare’s intricate plots into short but engaging tales. They remove the most complex subplots and difficult language but retain the major conflicts, moral dilemmas, and character developments. The result is a collection of stories that feel complete while still echoing the original plays. Readers unfamiliar with Shakespeare can still experience the magic of his stories, from the tragic downfall of Macbeth to the comedic misunderstandings of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The book’s style is formal but not overly difficult. The Lambs use a refined but accessible vocabulary, making the stories feel like classic fairy tales rather than dry summaries. They also take care to highlight the moral lessons within each play, making the book not only entertaining but also educational. The characters’ struggles with ambition, love, jealousy, and fate are presented in a way that young readers can understand. While some of the plays lose their depth when translated into prose, the book still captures the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s themes.
However, the book is not without its weaknesses. One of the most noticeable drawbacks is the loss of Shakespeare’s poetic brilliance. His plays are famous for their powerful language, and reducing them to prose inevitably strips away much of their beauty. Without the rhythm of iambic pentameter or the richness of Shakespeare’s metaphors, some of the magic is lost. The stories remain compelling, but they do not carry the same weight as the original plays.
Another issue is the simplification of characters. Shakespeare’s characters are known for their complexity, but in Tales from Shakespeare, they sometimes feel one-dimensional. This is particularly true for the villains. Characters like Iago from Othello or Edmund from King Lear lose some of their psychological depth when their thoughts and motivations are explained in straightforward prose. The ambiguity that makes Shakespeare’s characters so fascinating is often lost in translation.
Additionally, the book omits some of Shakespeare’s darker themes. While this is understandable given the target audience, it does result in a more sanitized version of his plays. The brutal violence of Titus Andronicus and the deep existential despair of Hamlet are softened. Some of the most disturbing moments in Shakespeare’s tragedies are either omitted or toned down, making them more suitable for children but less faithful to the original works. This raises the question of whether young readers are getting the full Shakespearean experience or merely a polished version that removes the most challenging aspects.
Despite these shortcomings, Tales from Shakespeare remains an important literary work. It has introduced generations of readers to Shakespeare’s world, allowing them to appreciate his stories before tackling the original plays. Many readers who struggle with Shakespeare’s language find this book to be a helpful first step, easing them into the complexities of Elizabethan drama. In that sense, the book serves its purpose well.
It is also worth noting that Tales from Shakespeare has a charm of its own. The Lambs’ writing is graceful and thoughtful, and their admiration for Shakespeare is evident on every page. They do not simply summarize the plays but retell them with care and sensitivity. The book’s historical significance adds to its appeal, as it reflects the 19th-century approach to literature and education.
Ultimately, Tales from Shakespeare is a valuable introduction to Shakespeare’s work, though it cannot replace the original plays. It is an excellent choice for young readers and those unfamiliar with Shakespeare, but those who love his language and depth may find it lacking. While the book simplifies and sanitizes Shakespeare’s work, it still manages to capture the heart of his stories, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in classic literature.