Service and Dependency in Shakespeare's Plays [Paperback]

A study into how service interacted with other forms of dependency in Shakespeare's drama.An unusual study of Shakespeare's culture and plays, this book discusses the interaction of service with other types of early modern dependency--childhood, marriage and friendship. Weil shows how the plays demonstrate a surprising consciousness of obligations, and a fascination with how dependants actively change each other. Attentive to a range of historical sources, the book emphasizes the linguistic ambiguities created by service relationships, and their rich potential for interpretation on the stage. The book includes close readings of dramatic sequences in twelve plays, including Hamlet and Macbeth.An unusual study of Shakespeare's culture and plays, this book discusses the interaction of service with other types of early modern dependency--childhood, marriage and friendship. Weil shows how the plays demonstrate a surprising consciousness of obligations, and a fascination with how dependants actively change each other. Attentive to a range of historical sources, the book emphasizes the linguistic ambiguities created by service relationships, and their rich potential for interpretation on the stage. The book includes close readings of dramatic sequences in twelve plays, including Hamlet and Macbeth.Considering the close associations of service and patronage with childhood or youth, marriage and friendship, Judith Weil sheds new light on social practice and dramatic action in Shakespeare's plays. Approached as dynamic explorations of a familiar custom, the plays demonstrate a surprising consciousness of obligations, and fascination with how dependants actively affect each other. Weil also emphasizes the linguistic ambiguities created by service relationships. The book includes detailed studies of dramatic sequences in twelve plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew and King Lear.Preface; 1. Introduction: 'slippery people'; 2. Sons, daughters and servants; 3.lS¯