Shakespearean Rhetoric: A Practical Guide for Actors, Directors, Students and Teachers

Shakespeare's education was based on Classical Rhetoric, which was the basis of his understanding of the power of language and how it worked to move, delight, and teach. This book provides a clear explanation of key concepts, examples of rhetorical technique, and practical exercises to unlock character and identify themes in Shakespeare's plays. It is an ideal companion for anyone engaging with Shakespeare in performance, as it is academically rigorous and based on practical experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare's education was deeply rooted in classical rhetoric, the art of persuasion. It formed the core of his understanding of the power of language and its ability to move, delight, and teach. Rhetoric, as a discipline, seeks to unravel the mechanisms by which language influences others. It provides a powerful tool for analyzing and interpreting text in performance.

This book aims to guide you in understanding the fundamental concepts of rhetoric. It offers clear explanations, devoid of technical jargon, and provides examples of rhetorical techniques employed in Shakespeare's plays. Through engaging and practical exercises, it empowers you to unlock the characters and explore themes within the plays through the lens of rhetoric.

This book is academically rigorous, drawing upon more than a decade of practical experience in utilizing rhetoric in the realm of drama at the highest level. It serves as an invaluable companion for anyone engaging with Shakespeare's plays in performance, whether you are an actor, director, scholar, or simply a passionate admirer of his works.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 136 x 217 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350087965