This subfield examines the political themes in Shakespeare's plays, including his depictions of power, governance, and rebellion.
The Elizabethan Era: The historical and cultural context in which Shakespeare lived and worked, including political and social structures and events.
Monarchy and politics: The role of monarchs and political leaders in Elizabethan England, including their use of theater for propaganda and entertainment.
Court Masques: Elaborate spectacles performed at court, often featuring allegorical characters and political themes.
History plays: Shakespeare's plays that depict historical events and figures, and their political relevance and implications.
Power and authority: The power dynamics in Shakespeare's plays, including themes of kingship, monarchy, and political authority.
Gender and politics: The role of women in Elizabethan politics and society, as depicted in Shakespeare's works.
The Globe Theater: The performance space where many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed, and its significance as a public gathering place.
The Great Chain of Being: The hierarchical structure of Elizabethan society, and its reflection in Shakespeare's plays.
Religion and politics: The role of religion in Elizabethan life, and how it intersects with political power in Shakespeare's works.
Shakespeare's political commentary: Analysis of Shakespeare's views on politics, power, and society as reflected in his writing.
The use of language: Shakespeare's use of rhetoric, metaphor, and other literary devices to convey political themes and ideas.
The Globe Theater Company: The actors and producers who worked with Shakespeare, and their contributions to the development of Shakespearean theater.
The printing and publication of his plays: The process of getting his scripts printed and the effect of this on other playwrights and the theatre scene in general.
Adaptation and response: The ways in which Shakespeare’s works have been adapted to fit different political and social contexts over time.
Histories: This refers to a genre of plays that convey historical events, wars, and rulers. Some of Shakespeare's history plays include Richard III and Henry V.
Tragedies: These are a type of play involving tragic events and themes. Some of Shakespeare's tragedy plays that involve politics include Julius Caesar and Macbeth.
Comedies: These plays don't deal specifically with politics but they have elements that depict social and political issues. Examples include The Merchant of Venice and As You Like it.
Political Satires: These are a type of intricate plays that use humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose and criticize political and social issues. Examples include Measure For Measure and Twelfth Night.
Roman plays: These are a specific category of Shakespeare's plays that feature Roman consuls and various political events. Examples include Julius Caesar and Titus Andronicus.
Political Allegories: These are plays that use metaphors to express political and social ideas. Examples include The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Court Masques: These are unique plays performed for royal occasions and events. The Queen and King of England were the main guests.