Theater and World: The Problematics of Shakespeare's History

by Jonathan Hart

Overview

First published in 1992, Theater and World is a detailed exploration of Shakespeare’s representation of history and how it affects the relation between theatre and world.

The book focuses primarily on the Second Tetralogy (Richard II, Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II, and Henry V) and includes a wealth of analysis and interpretation of the plays. In doing so, it explores a wide range of topics, including the relation between literary and theatrical representations and the world; the nature of illusion and reality; genre; the connection between history and fiction (especially plays); historiography and literary criticism or theory; poetry and philosophy; and irony, both rhetorical and philosophical.

Theater and World continues to have lasting relevance for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare’s words and his representation of history in particular.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781000389722
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/26/2021
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	420
File size:	577 KB

About the Author

Jonathan Hart

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; One: Theater and World; Two: The Fall of Language; Three: Temporality: Drama vs. History; Four: Toward the Problem Play; Five: Conclusion; Afterword

Editorial Reviews

Hart brings contemporary literary theory to bear on interpretative problems posed by Shakespeare's second tetralogy: Richard II, 1 Henry IV, 2 Henry IV, and Henry V. Hart argues that for Shakespeare, the meaning of historical events, as well as cause-and-effect relations, are continually elusive. Central to Hart's thesis is that language, in a world conceived as fallen, cannot correspond to the world described; characters therefore fail to communicate, having differing notions of kingship, god, authority, and rebellion. This can be seen in the frequent occurrence of self-trapping images. Hart also explores the problems of writing history for the stage, discussing anachronism, telescoping, invention, and self-conscious theatricality. Finally, Hart focuses on Henry V as a problem play that questions its own generic structure, suggesting instability when order is most called for. For specialized collections.--Bryan Aubrey, Fairfield, Ia.

Library Journal

Nine practitioners of the experiences as students and scholars to assess the past and present position of theory in 18th-century studies. Their comments include a defense of traditional literary scholarship and criticism of the poststructuralist tendencies at work in the academy. Examines the theoretical and interpretive problems posed by the four plays of Shakespeare's second tetralogy--Richard II, Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V. As he probes the complex relationship between drama and history, Hart (English, U. of Alberta) places his work in a wide critical context, from early Shakespearean critics to deconstructionists and new historicists. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews