The New York Times-20080127-SHAKESPEARE IN LONDON- Plays Refresh Themes- -Letter-

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SHAKESPEARE IN LONDON: Plays Refresh Themes; [Letter]

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To the Editor:

Re Howls and Wonder: Shakespeare on Love by Charles Isherwood [Jan. 20]:

Mr. Isherwood's fine article underscores a key Shakespearean theme -- that love is susceptible to manipulation.

Most people can be deceived about love, and Shakespeare demonstrates that sometimes the effect is good (as with Beatrice and Benedick) and sometimes the effect is disastrous (as with Othello).

The only people who are not beguiled are those who have contempt for love -- for example, Iago. But who would want to live like that? Brad Bradford

Upper Arlington, Ohio