Serial Shakespeare: An Infinite Variety of Appropriations in American Tv Drama

Shakespeare is prevalent in contemporary media culture, and this book explores how he is disseminated and reassembled in American TV drama. It demonstrates how citations in shows like Westworld and The Wire tap into his preferred themes and concerns, while the presentation of female presidents in shows like Commander in Chief and House of Cards is modeled on figures of female sovereignty from his plays. The book also analyzes the Shakespearean dramaturgy of Deadwood and The Americans.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Shakespeare's pervasive presence in contemporary media culture is the subject of this captivating book. It delves into the intricate mechanisms behind his widespread dissemination and reassembly in various forms of media. Spanning a wide range of American TV drama, the book explores the strategic use of Shakespearean citations, showcasing how they both draw upon and transform the playwright's preferred themes and concerns. It further examines the portrayal of female presidents in shows like "Commander in Chief" and "House of Cards," revealing how they are modeled after figures of female sovereignty from Shakespeare's plays. Additionally, the book analyzes the distinct Shakespearean dramaturgy found in series like "Deadwood" and "The Americans." Ultimately, this book sheds light on how serial TV drama appropriates Shakespeare to give voice to the unfinished business of the American cultural imaginary.

Shakespeare's pervasive presence in contemporary media culture is the subject of this captivating book. It delves into the intricate mechanisms behind his widespread dissemination and reassembly in various forms of media. Spanning a wide range of American TV drama, the book explores the strategic use of Shakespearean citations, showcasing how they both draw upon and transform the playwright's preferred themes and concerns. It further examines the portrayal of female presidents in shows like "Commander in Chief" and "House of Cards," revealing how they are modeled after figures of female sovereignty from Shakespeare's plays. Additionally, the book analyzes the distinct Shakespearean dramaturgy found in series like "Deadwood" and "The Americans." Ultimately, this book sheds light on how serial TV drama appropriates Shakespeare to give voice to the unfinished business of the American cultural imaginary.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526142313