In Seizures of the Will in Early Modern English Drama Frank Whigham combines an analysis of English Renaissance plays with an enriched sense of their social surroundings. He traces the violent gestures of social self-construction that animate many such plays, and the ways in which drama interacts with the conflict-ridden discourses of social, rank, gender, kinship, and service relationships. In Whigham's view, The Spanish Tragedy initiates the 'matter of court,' a complex and marauding discourse of gender warfare and master-servant manipulations; Arden of Faversham explores linked redefinitions of land, service, and marriage in county culture; The Miseries of Enforced Marriage and A Yorkshire Tragedy present a powerful critique of the traditional imperialism of kinship in northern England; and The Duchess of Malfi explores metaphors of erotic transgression.

An analysis of Renaissance plays in the context of social rank, gender, kinship, and service relationships.
Reviews
"Whigham succeeds admirably in his effort to complicate and expand historicist analysis of the notion of will, and this book provides a fine map for further critical exploration of early modern English Drama." B.R. Siegfried, The Sixteenth Century Journal
"...the analysis of the drama Whigham offers is... exhilirating..." Karen Bamford, Essays in Theatre
"The analyses of the plays are rich, multilayered and open-ended, and each chapter provides a wealth of fascinating information about early modern culture and social structures." Rebecca W. Bushnell, Modern Philology
"Theoretical grounding, interest in material life, entertaining allusions--these qualities coupled with Whigham's generous yet incisive method make Seizures a dive that brings up some true treasures." Ann C. Christensen, Jrnl Of English & Germanic Philology



Book Information
ISBN 9780521564496
Author Frank Whigham
Format Paperback
Page Count 316
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 453g
Dimensions(mm) 227mm * 152mm * 17mm