Forensic Shakespeare

Forensic Shakespeare demonstrates how Shakespeare crafted major speeches and scenes using rhetorical precepts to develop persuasive judicial cases. This study focuses on Shakespeare's use of judicial rhetoric as a method of argument, illustrating his engagement with classical and Renaissance humanist thought.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 01 February 2018
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Forensic Shakespeare delves into the intricate creative processes of Shakespeare, unveiling the intellectual foundations that shaped his renowned works. Through a comprehensive analysis, Quentin Skinner explores the narrative poem Lucrece, four late Elizabethan plays (Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, and Hamlet), and three early Jacobean dramas (Othello, Measure for Measure, and All's Well That Ends Well). Skinner's central argument revolves around the construction of major speeches and, at times, sequences of scenes, adhering to a set of rhetorical precepts aimed at constructing persuasive judicial cases, whether in accusation or defense. While some of these plays have traditionally been categorized as "problem plays," Skinner presents a fresh perspective, attributing their frequent similarities of tone to Shakespeare's judicious use of judicial rhetoric as a method of argument.

This study diverges from previous examinations of Shakespeare's rhetoric, focusing specifically on his employment of judicial rhetoric as a means of persuasion. By adopting this analytical lens, Skinner is able to shed light on distinctive aspects of Shakespeare's vocabulary and elucidate the underlying patterns and arrangements in certain scenes. Moreover, his approach enables him to illustrate the profound extent of Shakespeare's engagement with a rich tradition of classical and Renaissance humanist thought.

In conclusion, Forensic Shakespeare offers a groundbreaking exploration of Shakespeare's creative processes, shedding light on the intellectual materials that underlie his most famous works. Through meticulous analysis and a judicious application of rhetorical principles, Skinner provides a fresh perspective on Shakespeare's plays, illuminating their distinctive features and the profound influence of classical and Renaissance humanist thought on his artistic vision.

\n Weight: 534g\n
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198816430\n \n