Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare’s plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood. Updates in this edition include:

Ecocritical, queer, presentist and gendered discussions of Shakespeare’s work

Studies of new performances including Tennant and Tate’s Much Ado About Nothing

Critical discussions of race and politics in Othello and King Lear

Case studies of modern film versions of Shakespeare’s works

A chronology of Shakespeare’s work and contemporary events

With fully updated further reading throughout and a wide range of case studies and examples, this text is essential reading for all those studying Shakespeare’s work.

Contents

Introduction Part I: Understanding the Text 1. Shakespeare’s Language 2. Shakespeare’s Theatre 3. Shakespeare on Stage 4. Shakespeare on Film How do you film Shakespeare? Part II: The Genres 5. Shakespeare’s genres 6. Understanding comedy: The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, As You Like It and Twelfth Night 7. Understanding History: King Richard II, King Henry IV Part 1, King Henry V and King Richard III 8. Understanding Tragedy: Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth and Othello 9. Understanding Romance: The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest Conclusion: The Future of Shakespeare Studies Appendix: Chronology Glossary

Author Bio

Sean McEvoy teaches English and Classical literature at Varndean Sixth Form College Brighton, where he also co-ordinates the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. He has taught at Cambridge and Sussex universities and has been a visiting lecturer on the Shakespeare MA course at Royal Holloway, University of London.