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Overview
As has been noted in previous studies, England experienced something of a social revolution in the years from the early sixteenth century to the Civil War. In Wit's Pilgrimage, Dr. Grantley adds a new dimension to the discussion of this phenomenon by focusing on the emerging role and function of social behavior as a means of signaling social identity and rank. Noting the ever greater emphasis placed on manners, customs and ordinary behavior in that time period, he demonstrates the interrelation of two key elements - education and drama - in the reconstruction of social identity. By examining the relationship between education and drama, Grantley contributes important perspectives on the ways in which drama functioned in society. He explores education as a prominent motif in the aristocratically patronized drama of the 16th century; the contribution of the academy to the evolution of public modes of drama; education and the playwrights; education and the audience; and the representations of learning and social behavior on the public stage. Throughout, this study explores the increasing social significance of education in 16th- and 17th-century England, and the reflection of that cultural change in the drama of the period.Editorials
Booknews
In (1605), Francis Bacon recognized the role of education in developing social performance skills. By examining learning as a prominent theme in the upper-crust- patronized drama of the 16th century and the contributions of formal education to the evolution of less elitist theater, Grantley (drama, film and visual arts, U. of Kent, Canterbury) contributes to understanding the supportive/subversive relationship between education and drama and of both to the construction of audiences' and playwrights' social identity in 16th-17th century England. Includes 50 pages of bibliographic notes and references. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Book Details
Published
July 28, 2000
Publisher
Aldershot, Hants : Ashgate, c2000.
Pages
278
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780754601678