Subject
Jonson, Ben, 1573?-1637 Books
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher
"Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a critical examination of the works of these renowned playwrights, written in the late 19th century. This literary work provides detailed notes and lectures analyzing the drama, poetic elements, and characterizations within their plays, focusing particularly on Shakespeare's contributions to the theatrical landscape. Coleridge delves into the intricacies of poetry and drama, exploring the significance of these authors in the evolution of literary expression. The opening of Coleridge’s work lays a foundation for understanding the essence of poetry and its distinctions from other forms of writing, such as science and prose. It begins with a definition of poetry that highlights its role in evoking pleasure and emotional resonance. Furthermore, Coleridge reflects on the characteristics of Greek drama and its evolution into the more complex forms found in Shakespeare's works. He discusses the rich interplay between tragic and comic elements and emphasizes the necessity of audience engagement in drama, setting the stage for deeper analyses of individual plays from Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
Thomas Dekker
Satiro-Mastix; or, the Vntrussing of the Humorous Poet
"Satiro-Mastix; or, the Vntrussing of the Humorous Poet" by Thomas Dekker is a late Elizabethan stage play published in 1602. This theatrical work emerged from the War of the Theatres, a heated literary feud among playwrights. Dekker's play features a character named Horace who represents Ben Jonson, portrayed as a social climber and dishonest writer. The work responds directly to Jonson's "The Poetaster," adopting several of its characters while weaving satire into an existing tragic plot with comedic elements.
Jacob Feis
Shakspere and Montaigne An Endeavour to Explain the Tendency of 'Hamlet' from Allusions in Contemporary Works
"Shakspere and Montaigne" by Jacob Feis is a scholarly analysis that explores the philosophical underpinnings and controversies surrounding Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," likely written during the late 19th century. The book examines the connections between Shakespeare’s work and the contemporary ideas presented in the writings of Michel Montaigne, focusing particularly on how these themes might shed light on "Hamlet’s" complex motivations and motifs. The opening of the work sets the stage for an in-depth examination of the relationship between Shakespeare and Montaigne. Feis proposes that "Hamlet" can be better understood through the lens of Montaigne's philosophy, which has generated considerable debate in its time. The author outlines a historical context for the dramatic arts in Elizabethan England, discussing how political and religious controversies influenced Shakespeare's writing. He suggests that "Hamlet" is not only a personal response to the attacks from playwrights like Ben Jonson but also a broader commentary on the philosophical tensions of the period, particularly concerning issues of individualism and morality as championed by Montaigne. This analytical approach promises readers an enlightening journey through the intersections of literature, philosophy, and drama.
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