Shakespeare's Theory of Drama by Pauline Kiernan
Why did Shakespeare write drama? Did he have specific reasons for his choice of this art form? Did he have clearly defined aesthetic aims in what he wanted drama to do - and why? Pauline Kiernan opens up a new area of debate for Shakespearean criticism in showing that a radical, complex defence of drama which challenged the Renaissance orthodox view of poetry, history and art can be traced in Shakespeare's plays and poems. This study, first published in 1996, examines different stages in the canon to show that far from being restricted by the 'limitations' of drama, Shakespeare consciously exploits its capacity to accommodate temporality and change, and its reliance on the physical presence of the actor. This lively, readable book offers an original and scholarly insight into what Shakespeare wanted his drama to do and why.
'This is a groundbreaking book, the kind it is hard to believe hasn't already been writtenKiernan identifies a curious reluctance on the part of critics to explore the possibility that Shakespeare might have developed a theory of drama … this deceptively simple argument results in some stunning rereadings of both poems and plays.' Shakespeare Survey
'We have been told countless times that Shakespeare's plays were meant to be performed. Here then, apart from the 'magic of the theatre', is a reasoned and lucid explanation why the plays need and depend on performance … Shakespeare's Theory of Drama is provocative, lucid, learned and carefully argued. It is an important book that deserves the attention of all students of Shakespeare, his plays, their performances, and their texts.' Modern Language Review
'Kiernan's argument in this well-structured book is that Shakespeare had a conscious and deliberate theory of drama, as distinct from poetry, and that in his poems and plays he set about a 'refutation of Renaissance aesthetics' … Much is provocative. We are directed to thoughtful, detailed consideration of many germane passages, not all of them obvious.' The Use of English
'Kiernan is a lively reader and has a vigorous argumentative style.' Studies in English Literature
'This is a radical and original book which robustly contests the familiar image of the 'natural' poet with no central aesthetic purpose.' Year's Work in English Studies
' … an intellectually stimulating book which will provoke a good deal of thought and controversy'. The Review of English Studies
'We have been told countless times that Shakespeare's plays were meant to be performed. Here then, apart from the 'magic of the theatre', is a reasoned and lucid explanation why the plays need and depend on performance … Shakespeare's Theory of Drama is provocative, lucid, learned and carefully argued. It is an important book that deserves the attention of all students of Shakespeare, his plays, their performances, and their texts.' Modern Language Review
'Kiernan's argument in this well-structured book is that Shakespeare had a conscious and deliberate theory of drama, as distinct from poetry, and that in his poems and plays he set about a 'refutation of Renaissance aesthetics' … Much is provocative. We are directed to thoughtful, detailed consideration of many germane passages, not all of them obvious.' The Use of English
'Kiernan is a lively reader and has a vigorous argumentative style.' Studies in English Literature
'This is a radical and original book which robustly contests the familiar image of the 'natural' poet with no central aesthetic purpose.' Year's Work in English Studies
' … an intellectually stimulating book which will provoke a good deal of thought and controversy'. The Review of English Studies
Pauline Kiernan spent 10 years in London as a journalist before studying at the University of Oxford, where she took a doctorate in Shakespeare, and went on to teach at several colleges there. Dr. Kiernan is a screenwriter, an award-winning playwright, and a Shakespeare scholar. She is also a creative writing consultant, journalist, and speaker.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780521633581 |
| ISBN 10 | 0521633583 |
| Title | Shakespeare's Theory of Drama |
| Author | Pauline Kiernan |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 1998-07-23 |
| Number of pages | 232 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |