Shakespeare and the Soliloquy in Early Modern English Drama

This is the first book to provide a comprehensive guide to the early modern soliloquy, analyzing its diversity, theatrical functions, and socio-political significance. It includes case-studies of plays by Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson, Ford, Middleton, and Davenant, equipping students with an in-depth knowledge of the form's verbal and dramaturgical aspects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Spanning nearly a century of dramatic prowess, this groundbreaking work emerges as the inaugural guide dedicated to students and scholars seeking a comprehensive exploration of the early modern soliloquy. By delving into the historical roots of the form in Roman, late fifteenth, and mid-sixteenth-century drama, it conducts a thorough analysis of its remarkable diversity, theatrical applications, and socio-political implications. Comprising in-depth case studies of renowned playwrights such as Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson, Ford, Middleton, and Davenant, this collection equips students with the essential tools for conducting close readings of texts, thereby fostering a profound understanding of the verbal and dramaturgical nuances of the soliloquy. Rooted in a deep theatrical and historical expertise, the essays unveil the interconnected threads between Shakespeare's innovative use of the soliloquy and its subsequent deployment by his fellow dramatists. This comprehensive volume serves as a vital resource for scholars and students alike, illuminating the rich tapestry of the early modern soliloquy and its profound impact on the art of drama.

ISBN-13: 9781316623893