Shakespeare and the Mannerist Tradition A Reading of Five Problem Plays [Paperback]

In this 2005 book, Shakespeare's so-called 'problem plays' are examined as experiments in the Mannerist style.This book contends that Shakespeare's so-called 'problem plays' can be viewed as experiments in the Mannerist style. The plays reappraised here are Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure.Maquerlot reveals intriguing analogies between Shakespeare's plays and the structural ambiguity of certain Italian Mannerist paintings, establishing the relevance to drama of a concept imported from the field of visual art.This book contends that Shakespeare's so-called 'problem plays' can be viewed as experiments in the Mannerist style. The plays reappraised here are Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure.Maquerlot reveals intriguing analogies between Shakespeare's plays and the structural ambiguity of certain Italian Mannerist paintings, establishing the relevance to drama of a concept imported from the field of visual art.This book contends that Shakespeare's so-called problem plays can be viewed as experiments in the Mannerist style. The plays reappraised here are Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Troilus and Cressida, All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure. Maquerlot reveals intriguing analogies between Shakespeare's plays and the structural ambiguity of certain Italian Mannerist paintings, establishing the relevance to drama of a concept imported from the field of visual art.Introduction; 1. The problem of Mannerism; 2. From art to theatre: towards a definition of Mannerism: illustrations and commentaries; 3. Mannerism in reaction to formalism; 4. Julius Caesar and dramatic coquetry; 5. Hamlet: optical effects; 6. When playing is foiling: Troilus and Cressida; 7. Mostrar l'arte: All's Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure; 8.The end of the Mannerist moment. ...his interpretation of the poetry Shakespeare has given her reveals his own deep respect for lÃ_