The Winters Tale: Language and Writing

Through expert guidance on understanding, interpreting, and writing about Shakespeares language, this book makes The Winters Tale accessible and exciting for students. It demonstrates that careful attention to Shakespeares complex dramatic language can clarify the structure and concerns of the play, as well as provide deep and satisfying engagement with the social, political and ethical questions Shakespeare raises. Each chapter features a 'Writing Matters' section designed to connect analysis of Shakespeares language to students development of their own writing strategies. The book examines topics in the play such as tragicomic genre; womens assertion of social and political agency; obedience and resistance to rulers; the virtues and risks of following festivity, and disputes over the proper forms of religious devotion.