ABSTRACT
Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare’s plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood. Updates in this edition include:
- Ecocritical, queer, presentist and gendered discussions of Shakespeare’s work
- Studies of new performances including Tennant and Tate’s Much Ado About Nothing
- Critical discussions of race and politics in Othello and King Lear
- Case studies of modern film versions of Shakespeare’s works
- A chronology of Shakespeare’s work and contemporary events
With fully updated further reading throughout and a wide range of case studies and examples, this text is essential reading for all those studying Shakespeare’s work.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|107 pages
Understanding the Text
part II|133 pages
The Genres
chapter 6|6 pages
Understanding Comedy
The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, As You Like It and Twelfth Night
chapter 7|29 pages
Understanding History
King Richard II, King Henry IV Part 1, King Henry V and King Richard III