Time and Gender on the Shakespearean Stage

This book explores the cultural and theatrical intersections of early modern temporal concepts and gendered identities, arguing that the constructs of patience, prodigality, and revenge negotiate a fraught opposition between action in the moment and delay in the duration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate intersections of culture and theater in the early modern era, exploring the dynamic relationship between temporal concepts and gendered identities. Through a meticulous analysis of the works of renowned playwrights such as Shakespeare, Middleton, Dekker, Heywood, and others, across diverse genres including domestic comedy, city comedy, and revenge tragedy, Sarah Lewis unveils the profound ways in which temporal tropes were employed to delineate masculinity and femininity on the early modern stage. Moreover, she sheds light on the reciprocal influence of gender on temporal constructs, revealing how patience, prodigality, and revenge, as well as the dramatic identities woven from these elements, navigate a complex interplay between immediate action and the temporal delays inherent in theatrical performances.

In this groundbreaking work, Lewis argues that a comprehensive understanding of the early modern cultural construction of both gender and time requires us to examine these two realms through the lens of each other. By doing so, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between societal norms, theatrical conventions, and individual experiences, shedding light on the ways in which early modern culture shaped and was shaped by the temporal dynamics of its time.

Through her meticulous scholarship and engaging prose, Lewis invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of early modern culture, unearthing the profound ways in which gender and time intersected to shape the world of theater and beyond. This book is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, history, and gender in the early modern era.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108842198