Re-Visioning Lear's Daughters Testing Feminist Criticism and Theory [Hardcover]

King Lear is believed by many feminists to be irretrievably sexist. Through detailed line readings supported by a wealth of critical commentary, Re-Visioning Lear s Daughters reconceives Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia as full characters, not stereotypes of good and evil. These new feminist interpretations are tested with specific renderings, placing the reader in precise theatrical moments. Through multiple representations, this unique approach demonstrates the elasticity of Shakespeare s text.King Lear is believed by many feminists to be irretrievably sexist. Through detailed line readings supported by a wealth of critical commentary, Re-Visioning Lear s Daughters reconceives Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia as full characters, not stereotypes of good and evil. These new feminist interpretations are tested with specific renderings, placing the reader in precise theatrical moments. Through multiple representations, this unique approach demonstrates the elasticity of Shakespeare s text.Introduction: The Problem with Lear * The Trial: Goneril, Politician and Appeaser (Act 1, scene 1) * The Trial: Regan, Soldier and Enabler (Act 1, scene 1) * The Trial: Cordelia, Heir Apparent and Zealot (Act 1, scene 1) * Goneril Makes Her Stand: Queen and Mother (Act 1, scenes 3 and 4) * The Sisters Unite: Kingship and Kinship (Act 2, scenes 1 and 2) * Regan and Torture: Abuser and Abused?(Act 3, scene 7) * The Sisters and Edmund: Agency and Sexuality (Act 4, scenes 2 and 4 (Q 4.5)) * Cordelia Returns: Sinner and Saint (Act 4, scenes 3 (Q 4.4) and 7) * Homeland Security: Defeat and Denial (Act 5, scenes 1, 2, and 3 (Cordelia)) * Patriarchy Restored: Duplicity and Death (Act 5, scene 3 (Goneril and Regan))

This is a valuable book with a wonderful variety of options for putting Lear into production. - CHOICE

Re-Visioning Lear s Daughters acknowledges the creativity of writers and critics who have made King Lear a new play for modern times. It tracks the dynamic il¢