ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book demonstrates that Margaret Cavendish drew heavily on William Shakespeare in creating dramatic situations and dialogue. It examines the hitherto neglected tradition of reading literature aloud, and traces its history through the English Renaissance and to the performative reading of Shakespeare in the Cavendish household. The book explores the intersections between Cavendish’s philosophical and dramatic writings. It shows that Cavendish transformed the political and sexual machinations—the “infinite variety”—of Shakespeare’s Cleopatra into a characteristic to be emulated by wives to ensure successful and happy marriages. The book traces Shakespeare’s influence on Cavendish, explores the political implications of Cavendish’s contribution to Shakespeare’s reputation, and investigates the politics of influence more generally. It also examines the coincidence of Cavendish’s quest for fame through publication with her paradoxical reluctance to write plays oriented toward public, commercial staging.
