About the book
In Eternal Bonds, True Contracts, A. G. Harmon closely analyzes Shakespeare's concentrated use of the law and its instruments in what have often been referred to as the problem plays: Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida, The Merchant of Venice, and All's Well That Ends Well. Contracts, bonds, sureties, wills—all ensure a changed relationship between parties, and in Shakespeare the terms are nearly always reserved for use in the contexts of marriage and fellowship. Harmon explores the theory and practice of contractual obligations in Renaissance England, especially those involving marriage and property, in order to identify contractual elements and their formation, execution, and breach in the plays. Using both legal and literary resources, Harmon reveals the larger significance of these contractual concepts by illustrating how Shakespeare develops them both dramatically and thematically. Harmon's study ultimately enables the reader to perceive not only these plays but also all of Shakespeare's writing—including his poetry—as integral with, and implicated in, the proliferating legalism that was helping to define early modern English culture.
Editions of Eternal Bonds, True Contracts
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791461174
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791461181
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791484920
Read an Excerpt
In Eternal Bonds, True Contracts, A. G. Harmon closely analyzes Shakespeare's concentrated use of the law and its instruments in what have often been referred to as the problem plays: Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida, The Merchant of Venice, and All's Well That Ends Well. Contracts, bonds, sureties, wills—all ensure a changed relationship between parties, and in Shakespeare the terms are nearly always reserved for use in the contexts of marriage and fellowship. Harmon explores the theory and practice of contractual obligations in Renaissance England, especially those involving marriage and property, in order to identify contractual elements and their formation, execution, and breach in the plays. Using both legal and literary resources, Harmon reveals the larger significance of these contractual concepts by illustrating how Shakespeare develops them both dramatically and thematically. Harmon's study ultimately enables the reader to perceive not only these plays but also all of Shakespeare's writing—including his poetry—as integral with, and implicated in, the proliferating legalism that was helping to define early modern English culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eternal Bonds, True Contracts about?
In Eternal Bonds, True Contracts, A. G. Harmon closely analyzes Shakespeare's concentrated use of the law and its instruments in what have often been referred to as the problem plays: Measure for Measure, Troilus and Cressida, The Merchant of Venice, and All's Well That Ends Well. Contracts, bonds, sureties, wills—all ensure a changed relationship between parties, and in Shakespeare the terms are nearly always reserved for use in the contexts of marriage and fellowship. Harmon explores the theory and practice of contractual obligations in Renaissance England, especially those involving marriage and property, in order to identify contractual elements and their formation, execution, and breach in the plays. Using both legal and literary resources, Harmon reveals the larger significance of these contractual concepts by illustrating how Shakespeare develops them both dramatically and thematically. Harmon's study ultimately enables the reader to perceive not only these plays but also all of Shakespeare's writing—including his poetry—as integral with, and implicated in, the proliferating legalism that was helping to define early modern English culture.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Eternal Bonds, True Contracts?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism > Literary studies: plays and playwrights
Where can I read a sample of Eternal Bonds, True Contracts?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791461174
How long is Eternal Bonds, True Contracts and how many pages does it have?
Eternal Bonds, True Contracts has 203 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Eternal Bonds, True Contracts?
A. G. Harmon
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Eternal Bonds, True Contracts is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791461174) and paperback(ISBN 9780791461181) and pdf(ISBN 9780791484920)
Where can I buy Eternal Bonds, True Contracts online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Eternal Bonds, True Contracts?