This updated edition offers a strongly theatrical perspective
on the origins of Shakespeare''s First Part of King Henry IV and the
history of its interpretation. The introduction clarifies the
play''s surprising, de-centred dramatic structure, questioning the
dominant assumption that the drama focuses on the education of
Prince Hal. It calls attention to the effects of civil war upon a
broad range of relationships. Falstaff''s unpredictable vitality is
explored, together with important contemporary values of honour,
friendship, festivity and reformation. Extensive lexical glosses of
obscure, ambiguous or archaic meanings make the rich wordplay
accessible. The notes also provide a thorough commentary on
Shakespeare''s transformation of his sources particularly
Holinshed''s Chronicles and suggest alternative stagings. This
updated edition contains a new introductory section by Katharine A.
Craik, which describes recent stage, film and critical
interpretations, and an updated reading list.
目錄:
Introduction: Reputation
Date
The design of the play
Transforming the sources
The appeal of Falstaff and the contexts of interpretation
Stage history
Recent stage, film and critical interpretations by Katharine A.
Craik
Note on the text
List of characters
THE PLAY
Textual analysis
Appendix: Shakespeare and Holinshed
Reading list.