by Douglas King (Author)
This analysis of primary documents allows readers to understand Shakespeare's tragedies within the context of historical issues of Renaissance England.
Comprising dozens of primary source documents, this book explores Early Modern historical issues reflected in four of Shakespeare's tragedies most commonly taught in secondary schools and universities around the world:
Romeo and Juliet,
Julius Caesar,
Hamlet, and
Macbeth.
Primary source documents relating to
Romeo and Juliet deal with subjects such as dueling, breast-feeding, and the Black Plague. Background discussion of
Julius Caesar addresses the influence of Roman culture on Renaissance England; the nature of monarchy; and warfare in Renaissance England, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The backdrop for
Hamlet includes the nature of spirits; heaven, hell, and purgatory; the history of revenge tragedy beginning with ancient Greece; and debates over the theater in Shakespeare's time.
Macbeth brings the reader into the reign of King James and examines ongoing debates over the dangers of witchcraft; the crime of the century, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605; and the "Macbeth curse" that has plagued productions of the Scottish Play since its premiere.
Author Biography
Douglas J. King is associate professor of English at Gannon University, where he teaches courses on Shakespeare, drama, and literature and film.
Number of Pages: 256
Dimensions: 0.9 x 9.3 x 6.4 IN
Publication Date: June 21, 2018
