Shakespeare and the Story: Aspects of Creation - Softcover

Rees, Joan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0485120410 ISBN 13: 9780485120417

Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd., 1982

Synopsis

It is a commonplace of Shakespeare criticism that he invented few of the plots of his plays and the sources he drew upon have been often and rewardingly studied. The emphasis of this book, however, is not on sources but on what may be called Shakespeare's story-telling technique especially as seen in the articulation and pacing of events. Ranging widely through the canon, the book identifies characteristic problems and achievements which occur in the course of Shakespeare's handling of his story material. Different aspects of Shakespeare's treatment of, and attitude to, story are studied with reference groups of plays and, in two final chapters, essays on Hamlet and King Lear apply and extend the findings of the preceding discussions. The point of view adopted serves, above all, to bring out the vitality and resourcefulness of Shakespeare's creative imagination, recognition of which must underpin all commentary but may easily be lost to sight in the increasing sophistication of criticism and scholarship.

About this title

About the Author

Joan Rees is Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Birmingham.

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0485120410
• ISBN 13: 9780485120417
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 246