The book delves into eight film adaptations that relocate the works of Shakespeare and Jane Austen, exploring how these iconic texts are interpreted in contemporary contexts. Through this analysis, it examines the evolving meanings of these literary works and challenges the concept of Englishness, revealing how cultural transposition can reshape understanding and relevance in today's society.
The Lady's Trial represents John Ford's culmination of his theatrical style, intertwining elements from his earlier works and the drama of his youth. This play reinterprets the narrative of Othello, showcasing Ford's unique approach to storytelling. As his final work, it reflects his artistic evolution while remaining engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on classic themes of love and betrayal.
The book delves into the significance of Caesarian power during the Renaissance, highlighting its influence on rulers across Europe, Russia, and Turkey. It examines how early modern dramatists, particularly Shakespeare, utilized the imagery and authority of the Caesars to reflect the narratives of English rulers on stage. By analyzing these plays, the author reveals the underexplored connection between Caesarian themes and the political landscape of the time, providing new insights into Renaissance drama and its historical context.
The exploration of the Gothic in cinema reveals how filmmakers utilize eerie settings to reflect societal fears. Lisa Hopkins analyzes notable adaptations such as Zeffirelli's Jane Eyre and Coppola's Dracula, uncovering unexpected insights. In a standout chapter, she argues that the true horror in children's films like Harry Potter stems from familial relationships rather than fantastical creatures. This study delves into the intersection of Gothic themes and contemporary film, offering fresh perspectives on familiar narratives.
The first scholarly edition of a little-known play by a major Renaissance playwright, which interestingly reworks Othello. -- .
Introduces students to the study of Shakespeare and grounds their understandings of his work in theoretical discourses. By addressing what is primarily at stake in the major theoretical approaches to Shakespeare's works, the book breaks down both fears and preconceptions to offer students a map of the current critical practices of others. -- .
Exploring the intersection of crime and culture, this book delves into the significance of burial plots in British detective fiction. It examines how these settings reflect societal attitudes toward death and justice, while also highlighting key authors and their works. The analysis reveals how burial sites serve as crucial elements in plot development and character motivations, ultimately shaping the narrative's exploration of morality and the human condition. This scholarly work offers insights into the genre's evolution and its commentary on contemporary issues.
The narrative explores the evolution of fictional detectives from Sherlock Holmes to contemporary sleuths, emphasizing the significance of lenses in their crime-solving methods. It delves into how these tools not only enhance observation but also symbolize the analytical mindset of detectives. The book examines various characters and stories, showcasing the interplay between technology and deduction in unraveling mysteries. Through historical context and character analysis, it highlights the enduring fascination with detective fiction and the intricate relationship between perception and truth.
Set against the backdrop of the early 17th century, this edition of a previously overlooked play delves into themes of love, jealousy, and female sovereignty. The heroine, a queen in her own right, resonates with historical figures like Katherine of Aragon and Elizabeth I. The narrative intertwines personal and political struggles, reflecting on the tumultuous period following Charles I's execution. With a misogynist hero and a subplot examining the complexities of love and sex, this edition presents the play in modern spelling, accompanied by insightful commentary and a thorough introduction.
The book explores how the contentious issue of royal succession during Elizabeth I's reign and into the 1630s influenced dramatic literature. It highlights how playwrights like Marlowe, Shakespeare, Webster, and Ford utilized the medium of drama, with its themes of disguised identities and complex relationships to reality, to address and navigate the political tensions surrounding succession. Through analysis of various plays, the author reveals how these works reflect societal anxieties and aspirations regarding the future of the monarchy.