Theater and world

Library Journal

Hart brings contemporary literary theory to bear on interpretative problems posed by Shakespeare's second tetralogy: Richard II, 1 Henry IV, 2 Henry IV, and Henry V. Hart argues that for Shakespeare, the meaning of historical events, as well as cause-and-effect relations, are continually elusive. Central to Hart's thesis is that language, in a world conceived as fallen, cannot correspond to the world described; characters therefore fail to communicate, having differing notions of kingship, god, authority, and rebellion. This can be seen in the frequent occurrence of self-trapping images. Hart also explores the problems of writing history for the stage, discussing anachronism, telescoping, invention, and self-conscious theatricality. Finally, Hart focuses on Henry V as a problem play that questions its own generic structure, suggesting instability when order is most called for. For specialized collections.--Bryan Aubrey, Fairfield, Ia.

Booknews

Nine practitioners of the experiences as students and scholars to assess the past and present position of theory in 18th-century studies. Their comments include a defense of traditional literary scholarship and criticism of the poststructuralist tendencies at work in the academy. Examines the theoretical and interpretive problems posed by the four plays of Shakespeare's second tetralogy--Richard II, Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V. As he probes the complex relationship between drama and history, Hart (English, U. of Alberta) places his work in a wide critical context, from early Shakespearean critics to deconstructionists and new historicists. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)