Imagining Shakespeare's Wife: The Afterlife of Anne Hathaway

This is the very first cultural history of Anne Hathaway, examining representations of her from the eighteenth century to contemporary portrayals in theatre, biographies and novels. It offers a richly original study that uncovers how the material circumstances of history affect the later reconstruction of lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Anne Hathaway, a captivating figure in global and temporal realms over the past four hundred years, has held a profound allure that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Her enduring appeal lies in the multifaceted ways in which she has been reinterpreted and reshaped, reflecting the ever-evolving cultural landscape. In her book, Imagining Shakespeare's Wife, Katherine Scheil delves into the rich tapestry of representations of Hathaway, spanning from the earliest depictions and details in the eighteenth century to contemporary portrayals in theatre, biographies, and novels.

Residing in the intersection of Shakespeare's life and works, Hathaway has been constructed as a means to explain the women portrayed in his plays, but she has also been formed from the very material of those plays. Scheil's groundbreaking cultural history offers a fresh perspective, unveiling how the material circumstances of history shape the subsequent reconstruction of lives.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Scheil uncovers the intricate ways in which Hathaway has been portrayed, from the romanticized idealization of her as Shakespeare's devoted wife to the more nuanced and complex representations that have emerged in recent years. She explores the various cultural, historical, and literary factors that have influenced these representations, shedding light on the ways in which they reflect and shape our understanding of Hathaway and her role in Shakespeare's life.

One of the key themes that Scheil explores is the construction of gender roles and stereotypes. Hathaway, as a woman of her time, was often subjected to societal expectations and norms that limited her opportunities and freedoms. However, her portrayal in Shakespeare's plays has been a means to challenge and subvert these gender roles, presenting her as a strong, independent, and intelligent woman who defied societal conventions.

Scheil also examines the ways in which Hathaway has been reinterpreted in light of contemporary feminist discourse. She highlights the ways in which her portrayal has been used to promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal structures, as well as the ways in which it has perpetuated harmful stereotypes and biases. Through her analysis, Scheil encourages readers to critically engage with these representations and to consider the broader societal implications of how we interpret and represent women.

In addition to her exploration of representations, Scheil also offers a rich analysis of the historical context in which Hathaway lived. She explores the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped her life and career, including the influence of the Elizabethan court, the literary scene, and the broader cultural developments of the time. By contextualizing Hathaway within her historical setting, Scheil provides a deeper understanding of her role and significance in the broader tapestry of English history.

Imagining Shakespeare's Wife is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on Anne Hathaway's enduring appeal. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Scheil sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which Hathaway has been reinterpreted and reshaped over the past four hundred years. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of Shakespeare studies and cultural history, and it will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone who is passionate about the study of gender, history, and literature.

In conclusion, Anne Hathaway's enduring appeal over the past four hundred years lies in her multifaceted and ever-evolving representations. Katherine Scheil's book, Imagining Shakespeare's Wife, offers a rich and original study that delves into the historical, cultural, and literary factors that have shaped these representations. Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Scheil sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which Hathaway has been reinterpreted and reshaped, and she encourages readers to critically engage with these representations and consider the broader societal implications of how we interpret and represent women. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of Shakespeare studies and cultural history, and it will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone who is passionate about the study of gender, history, and literature.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 223 x 150 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108404068