This urgent and original book shows how Shakespeare's early comedies and the second tetralogy of history plays resist an emergent exclusionary idea of (the) 'true' English with its attendant violence towards others, proposing rather an inclusive idea of 'our English'.
Change is a powerful idea which inspires hope and fear, excitement and dread. From the panta rhei of Heraclitus to Darwinian evolutionary theory, nobel laureate Bob Dylan's The times they are a-changin', the Obama campaign slogan Change we can believe in, and the current advertising mantra 'change is good', it recurs as a challenge to the status quo. The present volume contains essays on the topic of change in English language, literature and culture. Some are based on papers presented at the 2017 SAUTE conference, which took place at the Université de Neuchâtel, while others have been specially written for this volume.
The collection of essays delves into the complex relationship between Shakespeare and concepts of Englishness, examining how his works reflect and shape national identity. Through fresh interpretations of specific plays, the essays explore the broader implications of Shakespeare's influence on notions of England and the subsequent adaptations and reimaginings of his legacy. This scholarly work invites readers to reconsider the intersections of national identity and artistic expression in Shakespeare's oeuvre.
The book explores the influence of Virgil's works on early modern English literature, focusing on the interpretations and adaptations found in the writings of Jonson and Shakespeare. It highlights how these playwrights incorporated Virgilian themes and motifs into their own narratives, reflecting the cultural and literary context of their time. Through detailed analysis, the text reveals the complexities of Virgil's legacy and its impact on the development of English literary tradition during this period.
The book explores the representation of Virgil in early modern England, focusing on the works of Jonson and Shakespeare. It delves into how these playwrights incorporated Virgilian themes and motifs, reflecting the cultural and literary influences of the time. By analyzing specific texts, the author reveals the significance of Virgil's legacy and its impact on English literature during this period, highlighting the interplay between classical and contemporary ideas.