Synopses & Reviews
Aimed squarely at the student new to Shakespeare, this volume provides a through introduction to the plays, based on the exciting new approaches shaping the field of Shakespeare studies. The author offers a refreshingly clear guide to Shakespeare's language; the plays as performance texts; the cultural and political contexts of the plays; early modern theatre practice; new understandings of the major genres.
Synopsis
Shakespeare remains the most studied author in high school, undergraduate and degree level English courses. However, the way in which his plays are studied is rapidly changing. Aimed squarely at the student new to Shakespeare, this volume provides a thorough general introduction to the plays, based on the exciting new approaches shaping the field of Shakespeare studies. The author offers a refreshingly clear guide to:
-- Shakespeare's language
-- The plays as performance texts
-- The cultural and political contexts of the plays
-- Early modern theatre practice
-- New understandings of the major genres.
Synopsis
"Shakespeare: The Basics aims to demystify Shakespeare's plays for the beginning reader by providing a thorough general introduction to this sometimes intimidating playwright. Concentrating on language, genre and history, McEvoy discusses the plays both in the light of contemporary thought and also in their historical context. He explores such diverse themes as social justice, the oppression or liberation of women and the idea of writing history, offering up a refreshingly clear guide to the Bard.
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Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 273-277) and index.
Table of Contents
Shakespeare's language (1) -- Shakespeare's language (2) -- Types of stage action -- What the plays mean in performance -- What is genre? -- Understanding comedy: The Taming of the shrew, A Midsummer night's dream and The Merchant of Venice -- Understanding history: King Richard II, King Henry IV part I and King Henry V -- Understanding tragedy: Hamlet, King Lear and Othello -- Understanding the mixed-genre plays: Measure for measure and Troilus & Cressida -- Understanding romance: The Winter's tale and The Tempest.