Part I: Nature and politics. Political power and the natural order: Richard III, Macbeth, and Coriolanus -- Shakespeare and the state of nature: King Lear and Othello -- Part II: The limits of politics. Violence and politics: Julius Caesar and Lucrece -- Faith, morality, and contractual politics: The Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure -- Tyranny and consent: Lucrece, Titus Andronicus, and Cymbeline -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"Shakespeare between Machiavelli and Hobbes explores Shakespeare's political outlook by comparing some of the playwright's best-known works to the works of Italian political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli and English social contract theorist Thomas Hobbes. This ultimately reveals the materialist principles that underpin Shakespeare's imaginary states."-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.