Shakespeare's promises
By: William Kerrigan.
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Baltimore, Md
Language: eng
Number of pages: 243
Subjects: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Ethics; Didactic drama, English -- History and criticism; Promises -- Religious aspects -- Christianity; Religion in literature; Promises in literature; Swearing in literature; Ethics in literature; Oaths in literature; Vows in literature
Description: "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.

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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [213]-235) and index.