In this book an attempt has been made to study 'Measure For Measure, 'Troilus and Cressida' and 'All's Well That Ends Well' as the problem-plays written by the most famous English dramatist Shakespeare.

These plays are called 'Problem Plays' by E.M.W. Tillyard in his book titled Shakespeare's Problem Plays (1950) as they are not concerned with the bright surface of the world. They enquire into the darkest and saddest part of human life. They cynically mock at whatever is held valuable or sweet in human relationships.

It appears that Shakespeare was in no mood to write either gay comedies or profound tragedies. These plays have sometimes been referred to as dark comedies as they depict an atmosphere of disillusionment. They focus on the darker side of life and the mysteries of the sex. Perhaps it is better to call these plays 'problem plays' because while reading them we are perplexed as the problems raised in them do not seem amenable to a satisfactory solution. They are too serious and analytical to be called comedies. They include many repulsive episodes and characters.

In these three plays, the author believes that the centre of interest has shifted from the beauty and joy of life to the sordidness and hollowness of the existence, from man as the image of God to man as the embodiment of folly, evil and vice.

Dr. Meenu Sodhi Sharma

Education: Ph.D. in English Literature from Gurukul Kangri University (2002); M.Phil. in English Literature from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla (1986); M.A. in English Literature from Himachal Pradesh University (1983, topper); M.A. in English Literature from Gurukul Kangri University (1999, gold medalist); B.Sc. from Government College for Women, Chandigarh, Punjab University (1980). She lectured for over 20 years and taught college students of under graduate and post graduate classes at S.M.J.N. P.G. College, Haridwar.

Published Works: Book titled 'Sri Aurobindo and Shakespeare Eastern and Western Theories' published by Prabhat Prakashan, New Delhi. Research Paper titled 'The Fictional World of Ruskin Bond' in the book 'Reflections on the Indian English Fiction. She participated in the national seminar sponsored by HRD Ministry, Govt. of India on the Intellectual Property Rights in Developing countries; national seminar sponsored by UCOST Dehradun and DRDO, New Delhi on Global Warming: It's Impact on Environment, Economy, Society and Politics, and UGC sponsored national seminar on Global Recession and Indian Economy.