The Subject of Tragedy (Routledge Revivals)

Focusing on sixteenth and seventeenth-century drama, this analysis explores the evolving identities of men and women during the Renaissance. Catherine Belsey examines various texts to trace the emergence of modern subjectivity, emphasizing the liberal humanist ideal of self-determination. The work highlights how this concept of subjectivity was predominantly centered on men, with women positioned in relation to male identity. Through this lens, the book reveals the historical context that shaped notions of gender and individuality in early modern literature.