Philosopher's Toothache: Embodied Stoicism in Early Modern English Drama

The Philosophers' Toothache argues that early modern Stoicism was a radical mode of performance, infused into the complex theatrical culture of early modern England through plays that instructed audiences to cultivate virtue, self-awareness, and creativity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 200 pages
\n Publication date: 15 November 2021
\n Publisher: Northwestern University Press
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The Philosophers Toothache presents a compelling argument that early modern Stoicism constituted a revolutionary mode of performance. Stoicism, characterized by its emphasis on bodily sensations, imagined spectatorship, and daily mental and physical exercise, emerges as a "way of life," a collection of habits and practices. Rather than adhering to doctrinal beliefs, Stoicism revolves around active behavior.

Informed by research in classical philosophy and performance studies, Donovan Sherman makes the case that Stoicism permeated the intricate theatrical culture of early modern England. Plays written and performed during this period brought Stoic exercises to life, teaching audiences to cultivate virtue, self-awareness, and creativity. By highlighting Stoicism's embodied nature, Sherman reclaims a vital dimension that is often overlooked in reductive portrayals of the Stoics by early modern writers and contemporary scholars alike.

The Philosophers Toothache offers insightful readings of dramatic works by William Shakespeare, Cyril Tourneur, and John Marston, alongside examinations of early modern adaptations of classical Stoics (Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius) and Neo-Stoics such as Justus Lipsius. These plays exemplify Stoic virtues such as unpredictability, indifference, vulnerability, and dependence, which are often portrayed as negative but can also inspire a renewed sense of responsible public action.

Through its exploration of the intersection of Stoicism, theater, and performance, The Philosophers Toothache provides a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of early modern thought and culture. It challenges us to reconsider the ways in which ancient philosophical ideas can be reimagined and applied to contemporary life, offering valuable insights into the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy.

\n Weight: 274g\n
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780810144149\n \n