Theatrical Convention and Audience Response in Early Modern Drama

Focusing on the formal conventions of Shakespearean drama, the book offers in-depth readings of plays like Hamlet and Othello while situating Shakespeare within the theatrical landscape of his time. It explores the challenges posed by the bare stage and non-naturalistic elements, emphasizing the potential for failure in early modern theatre. The author argues that understanding how playwrights navigated these limitations and audience reactions is key to grasping the success of the drama. It also examines conventions like puns and asides to define early modern theatrical genres.