Changeling: Revised Edition

Beatrice-Joanna, a nobleman's daughter, plans to get rid of her family servant due to his repeated crossings. The Changeling is a 17th-century tragedy that explores sexual appetite, repulsion, betrayal, and lunacy, revealing the consequences of ungoverned desires and betrayal. This revised edition includes a modernized play text, annotated student editions, and an illuminating introduction that provides socio-political context, explains the play's linkage of comic and tragic plots, and discusses its stage history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

“The next good mood I find my father in, I'll get him quite discarded,” Beatrice-Joanna, the spoiled daughter of a powerful nobleman, uttered these chillingly offhand words with a wicked scheme in mind. She plotted to rid herself of the family servant who had crossed her path one too many times, revealing her true nature as a heartless and ruthless individual.

The Changeling, a vivid tale of sexual appetite, repulsion, betrayal, and lunacy, remains one of the most compelling tragedies of the 17th century. Written by William Shakespeare, this play delves into the intricate relationship between servants and masters, challenging societal norms and revealing the psychological complexities of human behavior. Through its exploration of the concept of "change" and the revelation of hidden "secrets," Shakespeare offers a unique perspective on the nature of love as a "tame madness."

The play unfolds in a nobleman's household, where a young man named Alsemero is replaced by a mysterious stranger named Sebastian. As Sebastian gradually ingratiates himself into the household, he begins to manipulate and control those around him, including Beatrice-Joanna and her father. His sexual appetite becomes insatiable, and he engages in a series of devious acts to satisfy his desires, ultimately betraying the trust and loyalty of those closest to him.

The Changeling is a masterwork of dramatic irony, as the characters are unaware of Sebastian's true nature until it is too late. Shakespeare uses language that is both vivid and colloquial, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy between the characters. The play's themes of power, manipulation, and the consequences of ungoverned sexual appetite are still relevant today, making it a timeless masterpiece.

This revised edition of The Changeling includes a full and modernized play text, edited to the highest textual standards. Fully annotated student editions are also provided, with obscure words explained and critical, contextual, and staging insight provided on each page. In addition, comprehensive introductions analyze the play's context, themes, author background, and stage history, offering valuable insights for students and scholars alike.

The New Mermaids series of plays offers a range of resources to enhance the study and appreciation of Shakespeare's works. Modernized versions of the play text are edited to the highest textual standards, ensuring that students and readers have access to the most accurate and reliable version of the play. Fully annotated student editions are designed to support classroom teaching and independent study, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the play's themes, characters, and language. Comprehensive introductions provide a firm grounding in the play's socio-political context, demonstrating how careful close-reading can expand one's enjoyment of the play. The series also includes discussions of the play's violent linkage of comic and tragic plots, as well as a focus on the most interesting recent productions, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the play's theatrical significance.

In conclusion, The Changeling is a masterpiece of 17th-century drama that explores the complex relationship between servants and masters, the nature of love, and the consequences of ungoverned sexual appetite. This revised edition of the play, with its modernized text, annotated student editions, and comprehensive introductions, offers valuable resources for students and scholars alike to enhance their understanding and appreciation of this timeless masterpiece.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474290272
Edition number: 4 ed