Description:
With a raging bear, the figure of Time, and a statue that turns out to be a living woman, The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's most unusual dramas. This book conveniently overviews the play and its contexts. The guide begins with a discussion of the play's textual history and its relation to early 17th-century political, social, and agrarian developments. It then examines Shakespeare's dramatic art, characters, and themes. The final chapters review the critical and scholarly response to Shakespeare's work and its performance history.
Review Quotes:
"Hall's analysis is a 'must' supplement to the play and lends to classroom discussion of themes, characters and Shakespeare's intentions." --Midwest Book Review
"Hall introduces students and general readers to Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. The volume opens with a discussion of the play's textual history, followed by commentary on its cultural context. Other chapters consider the work's form, structure, themes, characters, and critical reception." --Reference & Research Book News