Winters Tale - Hardcover

Sanders, Wilbur

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0710811209 ISBN 13: 9780710811202

Publisher: Twayne Pub, 1987

Synopsis

Describes the contradictory nature of the play, suggests a fresh interpretation, and discusses Shakespeare's themes and technique

About this title

From Library Journal

The first three volumes in this new series do not in fact serve new readers of Shakespeare, despite expectations raised by the series title. Adamson, for instance, will be difficult for new readers to use for a number of reasons. Though the preface promises a volume "brief enough to read in an evening," it is not. Organization appears to follow act and scene numbers but does not. Finally, "State History and Critical Reception," dismissed in a four-page chapter, receives disproportionate attention in the otherwise scanty bibliography. Hawkins surveys the key ethical dilemmas in Measure for Measure : whether Claudio's life is worth the price of Isabella's virginity and whether Angelo's punishment is disproportionately light for his crime. Passages from Scripture and from contemporary sources supplement the text, suggesting how readers might respond to these dilemmas. The book is well written, but at a level slightly above the truly introductory; its bibliography is current and adequate. Stage history and critical reception are discussed too briefly; the play's influence on later works, in slightly more detail. The question of audience again appears in Sanders. Insiders' allusions to critics and theories (sporadically documented); summary dismissals of matters like stage history, which require explication for the novice; and a sketchy bibliography in need of updating make this book ill suited to the new reader. As one scholar's personal reading of the play, it is of interest to his peers. Margaret Hallissy, Long Island Univ., C.W. Post Campus, Greenvale, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA This series will no doubt be useful to high schools by providing summaries of the stage history of the works and of the critical receptions, and then giving analyses of important elements by scene and act. Schools will wish to pick and choose individual titles from the series, although all are excellent.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Twayne Pub
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0710811209
• ISBN 13: 9780710811202
• Binding: Hardcover