Shakespeare's tragedies and modern critical theory

This book makes a distinctive contribution to the current debate between traditional humanist approaches to Shakespeare and the newer modes of analysis informed by Marxism, poststructuralism, and feminism. The study addresses a broad audience, including readers who are interested in Shakespeare but unfamiliar with critical theory. To enable such readers to gain a purchase on the theoretical debate, the author provides an introduction to the main critical positions now represented in Shakespeare studies.

The underlying assumptions of humanist criticism are articulated, and the challenge posed by critical theory is explored.

Individual chapters deal with cultural materialism, new historicism, poststructuralism, and feminist criticism. The theoretical basis of each critical mode is examined and some representative critiques analyzed. Most importantly, in each chapter the various interpretations are tested against Shakespeare's texts, and the strengths and weaknesses of the different readings are assessed.