Poison on the Early Modern English Stage: Plants, Paints and Potions

Poison is used in many early modern plays to comment on the loss of horticultural knowledge,the fear of informers,and the distinction between sleep and death. This book explores these issues and the cultural work poison performs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Early modern plays frequently employ poison, with Hamlet being a notable example. The murder of Old Hamlet in this play serves as a powerful illustration of the diverse range of issues that poison can mobilize. The play's orchard setting, coupled with the sinister use of plants, serves as a commentary on both the loss of horticultural knowledge resulting from the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the influx of new plant species into English gardens through travel, trade, and colonization efforts.

One significant aspect of the play is the portrayal of Old Hamlet's sleep. The fact that he is asleep reflects unease about soporifics that complicate the distinction between sleep and death. The act of pouring poison into his ear also smuggles in contemporary fears of informers, emphasizing the dangers associated with disclosing information. Furthermore, proving the guilt of the poisoner in this case becomes challenging, adding to the intrigue and suspense of the play.

This book delves into the exploration of poisoning in early modern plays, addressing the legal and epistemological issues that arise from its use. It also examines the cultural work that poison performs, encompassing a wide range of topics such as race, religion, nationality, gender, and the human relationship to the environment. By examining these themes, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which poison functions as a tool for storytelling, social commentary, and cultural interrogation in early modern drama.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 165 x 294 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526159922