Early Responses to Renaissance Drama

A study of early responses to the plays of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and other Renaissance dramatists.

Charles Whitney (Author)

9780521117203, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 July 2009

356 pages, 8 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

'One of the best books of the year …' Studies in English Literature

It is often assumed that we can never know how the earliest audiences responded to the plays and playbooks of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and other Renaissance dramatists. In this study, old compilations of early modern dramatic allusions provide the surprising key to understanding pre-1660 reception. Whether or not it begins with powerful emotion, that reception creatively applies and appropriates the copious resources of drama for diverse purposes, lessons, and interests. Informed also by critical theory and historical research, this understanding reveals the significance of response to Tamburlaine and Falstaff as well as the importance of drama to Edmund Spenser, John Donne, John Milton, and many others. It makes possible the study of particular responses of women and of workers and contributes to the history of subjectivity, reading, civil society, and aesthetics, and demands a fresh view of dramatic production.

List of illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Tamburlaine, Sir John, and the Formation of Early Modern Reception: 1. Tamburlaine intervenes
2. Versions of Sir John
Part II. Audiences Entertaining Plays: 3. Playgoers in the Theatrum Mundi to 1617
4. Common understanders
5. Playgoing and play-reading gentlewomen
6. Jonson and Shakespeare: living monuments and public spheres
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]