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Shakespeare's Theory of Drama Pauline Kiernan

Shakespeare's Theory of Drama By Pauline Kiernan

Shakespeare's Theory of Drama by Pauline Kiernan

Reviews:
$10.00
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left
Very Good

Summary

Shakespeare rejected many of the theories of his age on poetry, history and art to create an original theory of drama. This book, first published in 1996, provides a lively, readable but scholarly examination of works from different stages of Shakespeare's career and explores what he wanted his drama to do and why.

Shakespeare's Theory of Drama Summary

Shakespeare's Theory of Drama by Pauline Kiernan

Why did Shakespeare write drama? Did he have specific reasons for his choice of this art form? Did he have clearly defined aesthetic aims in what he wanted drama to do - and why? Pauline Kiernan opens up a new area of debate for Shakespearean criticism in showing that a radical, complex defence of drama which challenged the Renaissance orthodox view of poetry, history and art can be traced in Shakespeare's plays and poems. This study, first published in 1996, examines different stages in the canon to show that far from being restricted by the 'limitations' of drama, Shakespeare consciously exploits its capacity to accommodate temporality and change, and its reliance on the physical presence of the actor. This lively, readable book offers an original and scholarly insight into what Shakespeare wanted his drama to do and why.

Shakespeare's Theory of Drama Reviews

'This is a groundbreaking book, the kind it is hard to believe hasn't already been written. Kiernan identifies a curious reluctance on the part of critics to explore the possibility that Shakespeare might have developed a theory of drama ... this deceptively simple argument results in some stunning rereadings of both poems and plays.' Shakespeare Survey
'We have been told countless times that Shakespeare's plays were meant to be performed. Here then, apart from the 'magic of the theatre', is a reasoned and lucid explanation why the plays need and depend on performance ... Shakespeare's Theory of Drama is provocative, lucid, learned and carefully argued. It is an important book that deserves the attention of all students of Shakespeare, his plays, their performances, and their texts.' Modern Language Review
'Kiernan's argument in this well-structured book is that Shakespeare had a conscious and deliberate theory of drama, as distinct from poetry, and that in his poems and plays he set about a 'refutation of Renaissance aesthetics' ... Much is provocative. We are directed to thoughtful, detailed consideration of many germane passages, not all of them obvious.' The Use of English
'Kiernan is a lively reader and has a vigorous argumentative style.' Studies in English Literature
'This is a radical and original book which robustly contests the familiar image of the 'natural' poet with no central aesthetic purpose.' Year's Work in English Studies
' ... an intellectually stimulating book which will provoke a good deal of thought and controversy'. The Review of English Studies

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Shakespeare and Sidney. Two worlds: the brazen and the golden; 3. Shakespeare and Ovid: 'What strained touches rhetoric can lend': poetry metamorphosed in Venus and Adonis and the Sonnets; 4. 'In scorn of nature, art gave lifeless life': exposing art's sterility. The Rape of Lucrece, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest; 5. 'O'er-wrested seeming': dramatic illusion and the repudiation of mimesis: Love's Labour's Lost, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet; 6. 'Thy registers and thee I both defy': history challenged: Richard III, Henry VIII, Henry V and Richard II; 7. Antony and Cleopatra as 'A defence of drama'.

Additional information

GOR003246923
9780521633581
0521633583
Shakespeare's Theory of Drama by Pauline Kiernan
Pauline Kiernan
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
19980723
232
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Shakespeare's Theory of Drama