Shakespeare's Politic Comedy

Will Morrisey examines the political dimensions of literary classics, focusing on Shakespeare's comedies. He explores three regimes: oligarchy, aristocracy, and monarchy, as well as the rule of law, the comedy of morals, and the comedy of politics. Morrisey argues that Shakespeare's comedies offer insights into the nature of power, governance, and human behavior.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: St Augustine's Press

Will Morrisey delves once more into the political dimensions of literary classics, as exemplified in his previous exploration of Melville's Ship of State (2019). His keen attention to Shakespeare's comedies is a source of delight for both readers and playgoers alike.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE:
The Politic Character of Shakespeares Comedy

PART ONE: THREE REGIMES: OLIGARCHY, ARISTOCRACY, MONARCHY

Chapter One: Shakespearean Comedy: Two Points on the Compass
In his examination of Shakespearean comedy, Will Morrisey explores the interplay between two fundamental themes: the pursuit of power and the quest for personal fulfillment. He argues that Shakespearean comedies are characterized by a distinct blend of these two elements, creating a rich and complex tapestry of characters and narratives.

Chapter Two: Gentlemen and Gentlemanliness
Morrisey delves into the concept of gentlemanliness in Shakespearean comedy, examining how it is both celebrated and critiqued. He explores how the characters in these plays adhere to certain social norms and expectations, while also questioning the extent to which these norms are truly beneficial or detrimental.

Chapter Three: Royal Dreaming
Morrisey examines the role of kings and queens in Shakespearean comedy, exploring how they are portrayed as both powerful and vulnerable. He discusses the ways in which these characters are used to comment on political and social issues of the time, as well as the ways in which they are manipulated by those around them.

PART TWO: THE RULE OF LAW

Chapter Four: Comic Errors, Legal Slapstick
Morrisey explores the comedic use of legal proceedings and the law in Shakespearean comedy. He examines how the characters in these plays use the law as a tool for both comedic effect and to comment on social and political issues of the time.

Chapter Five: What Will You?
Morrisey examines the concept of choice in Shakespearean comedy, exploring how the characters in these plays are faced with difficult decisions and how they navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise. He discusses the ways in which these characters are shaped by their choices, and how their choices ultimately impact their lives and the lives of those around them.

PART THREE: THE COMEDY OF MORALS

Chapter Six: Taming Our Shrewishness
Morrisey explores the comedic portrayal of shrewishness in Shakespearean comedy, examining how it is both mocked and subverted. He discusses the ways in which these characters are used to comment on gender roles and societal expectations, as well as the ways in which they are transformed by their experiences.

Chapter Seven: What Does Shakespeare Mean When He Says, "As You Like It"?
Morrisey examines the meaning of the famous line "As You Like It" from Shakespeare's play of the same name. He explores how the line is used to comment on the nature of love and the importance of personal fulfillment, as well as the ways in which it is used to subvert traditional gender roles.

PART FOUR: THE COMEDY OF POLITICS

Chapter Eight: Is All Well That Ends Well?
Morrisey explores the political dimensions of Shakespearean comedy, examining how the plays comment on the nature of power and governance. He discusses the ways in which the characters in these plays are used to comment on political and social issues of the time, as well as the ways in which they are shaped by their experiences.

Chapter Nine: The Geopolitics of Love
Morrisey examines the role of love and romance in Shakespearean comedy, exploring how it is both celebrated and critiqued. He discusses the ways in which these characters are used to comment on the nature of power and the importance of personal relationships, as well as the ways in which they are manipulated by those around them.

Chapter Ten: The Wisest Beholder
Morrisey concludes his exploration of Shakespearean comedy by examining the role of the wise fool or wise man in these plays. He discusses the ways in which these characters are used to comment on the nature of power and the importance of wisdom, as well as the ways in which they are used to subvert traditional societal norms and expectations.

SHAKESPEARES POLITIC MERRIMENT

In conclusion, Will Morrisey's examination of the political dimensions of Shakespearean comedy is a rich and insightful exploration of the complex interplay between power, personal fulfillment, and societal norms. Through his careful analysis of the characters, narratives, and themes of these plays, Morrisey provides a fresh perspective on these timeless plays and their enduring relevance to contemporary audiences. His work demonstrates the power of literature to comment on and shape our understanding of the world around us, and his exploration of Shakespearean comedy is a testament to the enduring legacy of this great playwright.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781587318474