Shakespeare, Violence and Early Modern Europe

Shakespeare,Violence and Early Modern Europe explores the relationship between Shakespeare's history plays and late Elizabethan political culture,uncovering the influence of Shakespeare and courtiers on succeeding generations of European writers and audiences. It demonstrates how the study of early modern violence can illuminate contemporary crises of interpretation concerning brutality,victimization, and complicity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Shakespeare,Violence and Early Modern Europe is a groundbreaking work that delves into the final years of the last Tudor monarch, shedding light on the complex and international context in which they must be understood. By examining the profound intersection between Shakespeare's dramatic art and European politics, Andrew Hiscock offers a comprehensive analysis of the history plays, providing insightful insights into late Elizabethan political culture and re-emphasizing the significance of neglected continental accounts of Elizabeth I. Through a fresh perspective, the book charts the lasting influence that Shakespeare and his ambitious courtiers had on subsequent generations of European writers, dramatists, and audiences, particularly following the turn of the sixteenth century. Drawing upon early modern and contemporary cultural debates, this book demonstrates how the study of early modern violence can shed light on ongoing crises of interpretation concerning brutality, victimization, and complicity in our contemporary world.

The book opens by exploring the political backdrop of Shakespeare's reign, emphasizing the volatile nature of late Elizabethan England. Hiscock argues that Shakespeare's plays were deeply influenced by the political tensions and conflicts of the time, particularly the ongoing struggle between the Protestant and Catholic factions within the English church. The history plays, in particular, serve as a lens through which Shakespeare examines the power dynamics, political maneuvering, and moral dilemmas of the Tudor court.

One of the key themes that Hiscock explores is the role of violence in shaping political narratives and ideologies. He argues that Shakespeare's plays often depict violence as a means of asserting power, control, and dominance, particularly in the hands of rulers and those in positions of authority. The plays also explore the consequences of violence, both on individuals and on society as a whole, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when violence is used for personal or political gain.

Through close readings of the history plays, Hiscock offers compelling insights into late Elizabethan political culture. He demonstrates how Shakespeare's portrayal of political figures and events influenced the way that subsequent generations of writers and dramatists interpreted and represented politics. The book also highlights the ways in which Shakespeare's plays contributed to the development of a distinctively English political identity, particularly in the context of the European Renaissance.

In addition to his analysis of the history plays, Hiscock also explores the neglected continental accounts of Elizabeth I. He argues that these accounts offer a valuable alternative perspective on the queen and her reign, challenging the traditional English historiographical narrative that has dominated the study of Elizabethan history. By examining the accounts of foreign diplomats, travelers, and artists who visited England during Elizabeth's reign, Hiscock reveals a more complex and nuanced understanding of the queen and her policies.

One of the most significant contributions of Shakespeare,Violence and Early Modern Europe is its fresh perspective on the influence of Shakespeare and his courtiers on succeeding generations of European writers, dramatists, and audiences. Hiscock demonstrates how Shakespeare's plays continued to resonate and influence the works of writers and dramatists across Europe, particularly in the Baroque and Romantic periods. The book also highlights the ways in which Shakespeare's plays were adapted to address contemporary political and social issues, such as the rise

In conclusion, Shakespeare,Violence and Early Modern Europe is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the final years of the last Tudor monarch and the profound intersection between Shakespeare's dramatic art and European politics. By examining the history plays, political culture, and cultural debates of the time, Andrew Hiscock provides a fresh perspective on the lasting influence of Shakespeare and his courtiers on subsequent generations. The book demonstrates how the study of early modern violence can shed light on ongoing crises of interpretation concerning brutality, victimization, and complicity. and the ways in which Shakespeare's plays were adapted to address contemporary political and social issues. This book is a valuable addition to the field.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108830188
Edition number: New ed