Shakespeare's Division of Experience

By Marilyn French

Book Overview

William Shakespeare regarded men and women quite differently. In his early plays, the so-called masculine qualities of prowess, bravery, and individualism were accorded more respect than "feminine" attributes of mercy, compassion, and intuitiveness. Yet, in his later plays, there is evidence of a reversal in Shakespeare's attitudes, a new fear of the power of the masculine principle and new admiration for the feminine. Marilyn French, author of the acclaimed novels THE WOMEN'S ROOM and THE BLEEDING HEART, offers a feminist perspective on each of Shakespeare's plays. More than a brilliantly original literary interpretation, this fascinating volume provides penetrating insight into attitudes toward men, women, love, and power in Western culture. "A feminist's view of William Shakespeare . . . Quite dazzling." -- The New York Times "An ambitious work . . . conveys the fresh excitement of interpretative discovery . . . insightful . . . seductive and nutritive." -- The Washington Post Book World

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067144865X
• ISBN13: 9780671448653
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Summit Books
• Length: 376 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

ONE OF THE FINEST BOOKS ON SHAKESPEASREAN TRAGEDY

AMAZINGLY,THIS BOOK IS RELATIVELY UNKNOWN. I'VE SPENT OVER 40 YEARS DIRECTING AND ACTING SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY AND I CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST ON THIS SUBJECT. IT IS FAR BETTER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BOOKS THAT HAVE COME OUT IN THE PAST 40 YEARS.