Synopses & Reviews
Shakespeare among the Animals examines the role of animal-metaphor in the Shakespearean stage, particularly as such metaphor serves to underwrite various forms of social difference. Working through texts such as Shakespeare’s
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jonson’s
Volpone, and Middleton’s
A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, the chapters of the study focus upon the allegedly natural character of femininity, masculinity, ethnicity, and the nature of the natural world itself as it appears on the Renaissance stage. Addressing each of these topics in turn,
Shakespeare among the Animals explores the notions of cultural order that underlie early modern conceptions of the natural world, and the ideas of nature implicit in early modern social practice.
Synopsis
Shakespeare among the Animals examines the role of animal-metaphor in the Shakespearean stage, particularly as such metaphor serves to underwrite various forms of social difference. Working through texts such as Shakespeares
Midsummer Nights Dream, Jonsons
Volpone, and Middletons
A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, the chapters of the study focus upon the allegedly natural character of femininity, masculinity, ethnicity, and the nature of the natural world itself as it appears on the Renaissance stage. Addressing each of these topics in turn,
Shakespeare among the Animals explores the notions of cultural order that underlie early modern conceptions of the natural world, and the ideas of nature implicit in early modern social practice.
About the Author
Bruce Boehrer is professor of English literature at Florida State University. He is also founding editor of the semiannual
Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies, the journal of the Group for Early Modern Cultural Studies.
Table of Contents
How to Do Things With Animals * Shakespeares Beastly Buggers * The Cuckoo and the Capon * Dead Parrot Sketch * Animal Fun for Everyone * Further Reading