This analysis of primary documents allows readers to understand Shakespeare's tragedies within the context of historical issues of Renaissance England.
With summaries, discussions, and excerpts from primary source documents, this book examines Shakespeare's world through careful consideration of the historical background of four of his comedies.
Literature and Its Times provides the historical background for the following Shakespeare plays: Hamlet; Othello; Macbeth, Henry IV, Part One, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest.
Topics covered include the mystery plays, festive custom, clowns, romance and popular fiction, folklore and superstition, everyday sayings, and popular songs.
