Shakespeare, Sex, and Love

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, British, Drama, Nonfiction, Entertainment
Cover of the book Shakespeare, Sex, and Love by Stanley Wells, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stanley Wells ISBN: 9780191614699
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: April 8, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Stanley Wells
ISBN: 9780191614699
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: April 8, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

How does Shakespeare's treatment of human sexuality relate to the sexual conventions and language of his times? Pre-eminent Shakespearean critic Stanley Wells draws on historical and anecdotal sources to present an illuminating account of sexual behaviour in Shakespeare's time, particularly in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. He demonstrates what we know or can deduce of the sex lives of Shakespeare and members of his family. He also provides a fascinating account of depictions of sexuality in the poetry of the period and suggests that at the time Shakespeare was writing most of his non-dramatic verse a group of poets catered especially for readers with homoerotic tastes. The second part of Shakespeare, Sex, and Love focuses on the variety of ways in which Shakespeare treats sexuality in his plays and at how he relates sexuality to love. Wells shows that Shakespeare's attitude to sex developed over the course of his writing career, and devotes whole chapters to 'The Fun of Sex' - to how he raises laughter out of the matter of sex in both the language and the plotting of some of his comedies; portrayals of sexual desire; to Romeo and Juliet as the play in which Shakespeare focuses most centrally on issues relating to sex, love, and the relationship between them; to sexual jealousy, traced through four major plays; 'Sexual Experience'; and 'Whores and Saints'. A final chapter, 'Just Good Friends' examines Shakespeare's rendering of same-gender relationships.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How does Shakespeare's treatment of human sexuality relate to the sexual conventions and language of his times? Pre-eminent Shakespearean critic Stanley Wells draws on historical and anecdotal sources to present an illuminating account of sexual behaviour in Shakespeare's time, particularly in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. He demonstrates what we know or can deduce of the sex lives of Shakespeare and members of his family. He also provides a fascinating account of depictions of sexuality in the poetry of the period and suggests that at the time Shakespeare was writing most of his non-dramatic verse a group of poets catered especially for readers with homoerotic tastes. The second part of Shakespeare, Sex, and Love focuses on the variety of ways in which Shakespeare treats sexuality in his plays and at how he relates sexuality to love. Wells shows that Shakespeare's attitude to sex developed over the course of his writing career, and devotes whole chapters to 'The Fun of Sex' - to how he raises laughter out of the matter of sex in both the language and the plotting of some of his comedies; portrayals of sexual desire; to Romeo and Juliet as the play in which Shakespeare focuses most centrally on issues relating to sex, love, and the relationship between them; to sexual jealousy, traced through four major plays; 'Sexual Experience'; and 'Whores and Saints'. A final chapter, 'Just Good Friends' examines Shakespeare's rendering of same-gender relationships.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book From Dual to Cooperative Federalism by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book An Introduction to Primate Conservation by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Churchill and Ireland by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Principles of Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Fleeing Hitler by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Common Enemies: Crime, Policy, and Politics in Australia-Indonesia Relations by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book The Oxford Edition of Blackstone's: Commentaries on the Laws of England by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Evidence-Based Policing by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Researching Religion by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Regulating Services in the European Union by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Progress for the Poor by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book The Sin of Abbé Mouret by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book The Multicultural Prison by Stanley Wells
Cover of the book Evolutionary Writings by Stanley Wells
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