Shakespeare and the Mannerist Tradition: A Reading of Five Problem Plays

by Jean-Pierre Maquerlot

Overview

This book contends that Shakespeare's so-called "problem plays" can be viewed as experiments in the Mannerist style. The plays reappraised here are Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure. Maquerlot reveals intriguing analogies between Shakespeare's plays and the structural ambiguity of certain Italian Mannerist paintings, establishing the relevance to drama of a concept imported from the field of visual art.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521410830
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/18/1996
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.33(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The problem of Mannerism; 2. From art to theatre: towards a definition of Mannerism: illustrations and commentaries; 3. Mannerism in reaction to formalism; 4. Julius Caesar and dramatic coquetry; 5. Hamlet: optical effects; 6. When playing is foiling: Troilus and Cressida; 7. Mostrar l'arte: All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure; 8.The end of the Mannerist moment.

Editorial Reviews

"...his interpretation of the poetry Shakespeare has given her reveals his own deep respect for the integrity of her charater." Studies in English Literature

From the Publisher