Oxford Handbook of Shakespearean Tragedy

The Oxford Handbook of Shakespearean Tragedy provides a fresh and comprehensive understanding of Shakespearean tragedies as both works of literature and as performance texts. It explores how later generations of critics have shaped our idea of the genre and offers new critical readings of each tragedy. The book also deals with performance history, screen productions, and versions devised for the operatic stage, as well as twentieth and twenty-first-century re-workings of Shakespearean tragedy.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 992 pages
\n Publication date: 08 February 2018
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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The Oxford Handbook of Shakespearean Tragedy is a comprehensive and insightful collection of fifty-four essays written by scholars from diverse corners of the world. This esteemed handbook offers readers a fresh and comprehensive perspective on Shakespearean tragedies, considering them as both literary masterpieces and performance texts crafted by a playwright who had firsthand experience as an accomplished actor.

In the opening section, the book delves into the ways in which subsequent generations of critics have influenced our understanding of Shakespearean tragedy. It explores the genre's historical roots, drawing upon classical and medieval influences, and examines how these influences have shaped the development of Shakespearean tragedy. The section also addresses questions of genre by examining the ways in which Shakespeare's tragedies transcend traditional boundaries and defy classification.

The second section of the handbook focuses on current textual issues, providing in-depth analyses and interpretations of the plays. It examines the nuances of language, symbolism, and dramatic structure, shedding light on the artistic choices made by Shakespeare and the impact they have on the audience. The section also explores the historical and cultural contexts in which the tragedies were written and performed, providing valuable insights into their relevance and significance.

The third section of the handbook presents new critical readings of each of Shakespeare's tragedies. These essays offer fresh perspectives and interpretations, challenging traditional interpretations and exploring new avenues for understanding the plays. The essays are accompanied by detailed footnotes and bibliographies, facilitating further research and exploration.

In addition to the critical essays, the book includes a series of essays that examine the performance history of Shakespearean tragedies. These essays explore the various stage productions, screen adaptations, and operatic adaptations of the plays, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that each medium presents. The section also discusses the impact of these performances on audiences and the broader cultural landscape.

The final section of the handbook expands readers' awareness of Shakespeare's global reach. It traces the histories of criticism and performance across Europe, the Americas, Australasia, the Middle East, Africa, India, and East Asia. The essays explore the ways in which Shakespearean tragedies have been interpreted and adapted in different cultural contexts, highlighting the universality and enduring power of his works.

In conclusion, The Oxford Handbook of Shakespearean Tragedy is a indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Shakespearean literature and performance. With its diverse range of essays and comprehensive coverage, the handbook offers readers a deep and nuanced understanding of Shakespearean tragedies as both works of literature and as performance texts. This handbook is a testament to the enduring legacy of Shakespeare and his profound impact on the world of theater and literature.

\n Weight: 1680g\n
Dimension: 172 x 242 x 52 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198820390\n \n