Research Catalog

Shakespeare's promises

Title
  1. Shakespeare's promises / by William Kerrigan.
Published by
  1. Baltimore, Md. : Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999.
Author
  1. Kerrigan, William, 1943-

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Details

Description
  1. xviii, 243 pages; 21 cm
Summary
  1. "Oaths, vows, contracts, and promises are among the most momentous actions human beings can perform, in art as well as life. Although virtually ignored by literary theorists, these obligations motivate plots, test characters, provide rhetorical occasions, structure ironies, and open thematic horizons. According to William Kerrigan, they had particular importance for Shakespeare.
  2. After a discussion of promises in philosophy, law, psychology, politics, language, and ordinary life, the author presents detailed studies of Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, and Othello, and concludes with a brief visit to the swearing scene in Hamlet."--BOOK JACKET.
Subject
  1. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 > Ethics
  2. Didactic drama, English > History and criticism
  3. Promises > Christianity
  4. Promises in literature
  5. Swearing in literature
  6. Ethics in literature
  7. Oaths in literature
  8. Vows in literature
Contents
  1. 1. The Promising Animal -- 2. The Truth of an Oath and the Bias of the World -- 3. Obligation in Venice -- 4. Ironic Vows.
Owning institution
  1. Columbia University Libraries
Bibliography (note)
  1. Includes bibliographical references.