Shakespeare, Aphra Behn and the Canon

ISBN-13: 9780415135764 / Angielski / Miękka / 1996 / 352 str.

W. R. Owens; W. R. Owen; Lizbeth Goodman

Opis

In this text students are introduced to three of Shakespeare's best known plays - Henry V, Othello and As You Like It - and a Restoration comedy, Aphra Behn's The Rover. The aim is to explore the concept of the literary canon and the complex process by which certain authors and works are accorded a high cultural status. Shakespeare personifies the canonical author, while Aphra Behn (the first professional woman writer, whose work was tremendously popular and controversial in the 17th century) has been largely ignored until her recent rediscovery by feminist critics. No previous knowledge of either Shakespeare or Aphra Behn is assumed: both authors are introduced and their works are placed in context. Each chapter offers practical exercises in analyzing key passages of text and criticism, followed by detailed discussion. The text of The Rover is included here, fully modernized and with explanatory notes.

Spis treści

Preface. Part One. 1. The Idea of the Canon Lizbeth Goodman 2. Shakespeare: Theatre Poet W.R. Owens 3. An English History Play: Reading and Studying Henry V Simon Eliot 4. Reading Othello Roger Day 5. Remaking the Canon: Aphra Behn's The Rover W.R. Owens, with a section by Lizbeth Goodman 6. Reading As You Like It Kate Clarke with a section by Lizbeth Goodman 7. Reviewing the Idea of the Canon Lizbeth Goodman Part Two. Aphra Behn, The Rover Edited by W.R. Owens. Notes to The Rover. Bibliography. Index.

O autorze

Lizbeth Goodman, W.R. Owens