Shakespeare: The Basics - Softcover

McEvoy, Sean; Mcevoy, Sean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415212898 ISBN 13: 9780415212892

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Sean McEvoy teaches English and Drama at Varndean College, Brighton, UK.

From the Back Cover

Written with real clarity - McEvoy is closely in touch with the student reader. The first book on Shakespeare as far as we know, to take into account the new A-level specifications (to be implemented Sept 2000). Offers in-depth analysis of several plays in each category: histories, comedies, romances, tragedies, and the so-called problem plays. Covers all the major aspects of Shakesepeare studies - language, history, genres. The book has had unanimously enthusiastic reports from teachers at sixth form, FE, HE, and student readers. Shakespeare remains the most studied author onschool 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.

Sean McEvoy illustrates the way in which interpretations of Shakespeare are linked to cultural and political contexts and offers readings of the most frequently studied plays in light of contemporary critical thought. He explores such issues as social justice, the oppression or liberation of women and the idea of writing history. Demystifying Shakespeare's plays and bringing critical ideas within the beginner's grasp, Shakespeare: The Basics is the essential resource for every student of Shakespeare. 'Engaged and engaging, informed and accessible, critically up to-date but not doctrinaire - this is the best bridge to an advanced understanding of Shakespeare that I know. - Professor Rob Pope, Oxford Brookes University, author of The English Studies Book

'The book effectively summarizes the current status of Shakespeare masterpieces...This is recommended for all public and academic libraries.' - Library Journal

'It is hard to imagine a better introduction to Shakespeare's plays for A level students. For McEvoy, the plays are as alive and kicking today as they were over four hundred years ago.' - The English and Media Magazine

Contents:

Chapter 1. Shakespeare's Language

Chapter 2. Shakespeare's Language

Chapter 3. Types of Stage Action Chapter

Chapter 4. What the play means in performance

Chapter 5. What is Genre?

Chapter 6. Understanding Comedy:The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice

Chapter 7. Understanding History: King Richard II, King Henry IV Part One, King Henry V

Chapter 8. Understanding Tragedy: Hamlet, King Lear, Othello

Chapter 9. Understanding the mixed-genre plays: Measure For Measure, Troilus and Cressida

Chapter 10. Understanding Romance: The Winter's Tale, The Tempest

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415212898
• ISBN 13: 9780415212892
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304