Shakespeare's Tragic Skepticism

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Drama, Shakespeare, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book Shakespeare's Tragic Skepticism by Ms. Millicent Bell, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ms. Millicent Bell ISBN: 9780300127201
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Ms. Millicent Bell
ISBN: 9780300127201
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: October 1, 2008
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
Readers of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies have long noted the absence of readily explainable motivations for some of Shakespeare’s greatest characters: why does Hamlet delay his revenge for so long? Why does King Lear choose to renounce his power? Why is Othello so vulnerable to Iago’s malice? But while many critics have chosen to overlook these omissions or explain them away, Millicent Bell demonstrates that they are essential elements of Shakespeare’s philosophy of doubt. Examining the major tragedies, Millicent Bell reveals the persistent strain of philosophical skepticism. Like his contemporary, Montaigne, Shakespeare repeatedly calls attention to the essential unknowability of our world.

In a period of social, political, and religious upheaval, uncertainty hovered over matters great and small-the succession of the crown, the death of loved ones from plague, the failure of a harvest. Tumultuous social conditions raised ultimate questions for Shakespeare, Bell argues, and ultimately provoked in him a skepticism which casts shadows of existential doubt over his greatest masterpieces.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Readers of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies have long noted the absence of readily explainable motivations for some of Shakespeare’s greatest characters: why does Hamlet delay his revenge for so long? Why does King Lear choose to renounce his power? Why is Othello so vulnerable to Iago’s malice? But while many critics have chosen to overlook these omissions or explain them away, Millicent Bell demonstrates that they are essential elements of Shakespeare’s philosophy of doubt. Examining the major tragedies, Millicent Bell reveals the persistent strain of philosophical skepticism. Like his contemporary, Montaigne, Shakespeare repeatedly calls attention to the essential unknowability of our world.

In a period of social, political, and religious upheaval, uncertainty hovered over matters great and small-the succession of the crown, the death of loved ones from plague, the failure of a harvest. Tumultuous social conditions raised ultimate questions for Shakespeare, Bell argues, and ultimately provoked in him a skepticism which casts shadows of existential doubt over his greatest masterpieces.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book The Strike That Changed New York by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The Shameful Peace: How French Artists & Intellectuals Survived the Nazi Occupation by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Congress's Constitution by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The Quiet Revolution by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Whispering City: Rome and Its Histories by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Out of the East by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The First Day of the Blitz by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Proust in Love by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The First Three Years and Beyond by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The Voting Wars: From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Natural Encounters by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Hakluyt's Promise by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book An Essay on the Principle of Population by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book Planning Democracy by Ms. Millicent Bell
Cover of the book The End of Europe by Ms. Millicent Bell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy