Whilst Shakespearean drama provides eloquent calls to war, more often than not these are undercut or outweighed by compelling appeals to peaceful alternatives conveyed through narrative structure, dramatic context and poetic utterance. Placing Shakespeare's works in the history of pacifist thought, Robert White argues that Shakespeare's plays consistently challenge appeals to heroism and revenge and reveal the brutal futility of war.
White also examines Shakespeare's interest in the mental states of military officers when their ingrained training is tested in love relationships. In imagery and themes, war infiltrates love, with problematical consequences, reflected in Shakespeare's comedies, histories and tragedies alike. Challenging a critical orthodoxy that military engagement in war is an inevitable and necessary condition, White draws analogies with the experience of modern warfare, showing the continuing relevance of Shakespeare's plays which deal with basic issues of war and peace that are still evident.
| ISBN: | 9781399516211 |
| Publication date: | 31st May 2024 |
| Author: | R S White |
| Publisher: | Edinburgh University Press |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 304 pages |
| Genres: |
Classic and pre-20th century plays Literary studies: c 1400 to c 1600 Literary studies: c 1600 to c 1800 Literary studies: plays and playwrights |
Whilst Shakespearean drama provides eloquent calls to war, more often than not these are undercut or outweighed by compelling appeals to peaceful alternatives conveyed through narrative structure, dramatic context and poetic utterance. Placing Shakespeare's works in the history of pacifist thought, Robert White argues that Shakespeare's plays consistently challenge appeals to heroism and revenge and reveal the brutal futility of war.
Shakespeare Against War features in the following genres: Classic and pre-20th century plays, Literary studies: c 1400 to c 1600, Literary studies: c 1600 to c 1800, Literary studies: plays and playwrights
Hardback. £90.00, down from the £100.00 cover price. Not Available.
Shakespeare Against War was written by R S White and published by Edinburgh University Press
Shakespeare Against War has 304 pages
£90.00, reduced from £100.00. Not Available.