Adapting Macbeth: A Cultural History

William C. Carroll examines how Macbeth has been adapted and appropriated across different media, arguing that its political nature, supernatural elements, ambition, violence, brevity, and domestic focus contribute to its popularity and adaptability. The study spans elite and popular culture, from Restoration-era adaptations to contemporary novelizations and commercial appropriations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this comprehensive exploration, William C. Carroll delves into a diverse array of adaptations and appropriations of Shakespeare's Macbeth across various media, seeking to unravel the essence that captivates our urge to reimagine it. Arguing that many of these adaptations aim to rectify perceived political or aesthetic shortcomings in the play, Carroll traces the enduring popularity and adaptability of Macbeth to several formal features. These include its overtly political nature, the incorporation of supernatural elements, the cautionary tale of ambition, the graphic depiction of violence, its concise structure, and its intimate portrayal of a husband and wife.

Spanning the boundaries between elite and popular culture, the study encompasses a wide range of adaptations, from Sir William Davenant's adaptation for the Restoration stage in the early 18th century to Verdi's Macbeth, as well as contemporary novelizations, young adult literature, and commercial appropriations that attest to the play's profound influence in contemporary society. Carroll's analysis offers a rich tapestry of insights into the enduring power of Shakespeare's Macbeth, highlighting its capacity to resonate with audiences across different eras and mediums.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 357 x 190 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350181397