This study combines formal analysis of Shakespeares texts with an investigation of early modern English culture in order to explore the social energy circulating between. There are two points underlying the argument of the whole thesis. Firstly, whereas the brain-centred understanding of memory was predominant in early modern England as in other European countries, there was also a heart-centred tradition. Although the brain and reason still occupied pivotal positions in early modern England, the heart and emotion were given substantial attention by Shakespeare among others. Secondly, this...