Dynamics of Inheritance on the Shakespearean Stage

Description:

"Early modern England's system of patrilineal inheritance, in which the eldest son inherited his father's estate and title, was one of the most significant forces affecting social order in the period. Demonstrating that early modern theatre played a unique and vital role in shaping how inheritance was understood, Michelle M. Dowd explores some of the common contingencies that troubled this system: marriage and remarriage, misbehaving male heirs, and families with only daughters. Shakespearean drama helped question and reimagine inheritance practices, making room for new formulations of gendered authority, family structure, and wealth transfer. Through close readings of canonical and non-canonical plays by Shakespeare, Webster, Jonson, and others, Dowd pays particular attention to the significance of space in early modern inheritance and the historical relationship between dramatic form and the patrilineal economy. Her book will interest researchers and students of early modern drama, Shakespeare, gender studies, and socio-economic history"--

subjects: English drama, history and criticism, early modern and elizabethan, 1500-1600,  English drama, history and criticism, 17th century,  Theater and society,  Inheritance and succession,  English drama,  History and criticism,  Inheritance and succession in literature,  History,  LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh,  LITERARY CRITICISM,  European,  English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh,  Early modern and Elizabethan,  Drama,  Erbfolge,  Thronfolge,  Engelsk dramatik,  Historia,  Teater och samhälle