Title
Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions),Used
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From The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the early 1590s to The Two Noble Kinsmen at the end of his career around 1614, Shakespeare wrote at least eighteen plays that can be called 'comedies': a far higher number than that for any other genre in which he wrote. So what is a Shakespearean comedy? We associate these plays with such themes as mistaken identities, happy marriages, and exuberant cross dressing, but how representative are these of the oeuvre as a whole?In this Very Short Introduction, Bart van Es explores the full range of the playwright's comic writing, from the neat classical plotting of early works like The Comedy of Errors to the corrupt world of the socalled problem plays, written in the middle years of Shakespeare's life. Examining Shakespeare's influences and sources, van Es compares his plays to those of his rivals, and looks at the history of the plays in performance, from the biographies of Shakespeare's original actors to the plays' endless reinvention in modern stage productions and in films. Identifying the key qualities that make Shakespearean comedy distinctive, van Es traces the changing nature of Shakespeare's comic writing over the course of a career that spanned nearly a quarter century of theatrical change.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocketsized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction'? A: The book explores the full range of Shakespeare's comic writing, examining themes such as mistaken identities, happy marriages, and cross-dressing, while providing insights into his influences and the historical context of his plays.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction' is Bart van Es.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains 144 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition is published in paperback binding.
- Q: When was 'Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction' published? A: The book was published on June 1, 2016.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone new to Shakespeare's works? A: Yes, 'Shakespeare's Comedies: A Very Short Introduction' is designed as an accessible entry point for those new to Shakespeare, making complex topics highly readable.
- Q: Does this book discuss the history of Shakespeare's plays in performance? A: Yes, it examines the history of Shakespeare's plays in performance, including the biographies of his original actors and their modern adaptations.
- Q: What themes are commonly found in Shakespeare's comedies according to the book? A: Common themes include mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and the use of humor through cross-dressing.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: Yes, it is part of the Very Short Introductions series published by Oxford University Press.
- Q: What makes this book different from other Shakespearean analyses? A: The book provides a concise overview that focuses specifically on Shakespeare's comedic works, offering insights into their distinctive qualities and evolution over time.