Themes and Issues

Abstract

Although this book has separate sections on characters and themes, it is necessary to bear in mind that this separation is artificial, and is done only to make clear to you the various components that make up the dramatic experience that is The Changeling. Character is integrally related to theme as the dramatist chooses particular kinds of characters whose interaction or contrast will forcefully convey the leading ideas or themes of the play; thus for instance, the contrast between Beatrice and Isabella contributes to the audience’s understanding of the theme of sin. Major themes are separated here for purposes of clarity but you will notice that they are interconnected and overlapping. For example, the theme of madness is closely related to the concern with sin and the Fall.