Shakespeare and Politics

Michael A. Genovese, Bruce E. Altschuler

“Anyone interested in Shakespeare’s views on empire, corruption, murder, greed, rulership, and war will find these close readings a delight. Anyone teaching a seminar on great books, a course on presidential power and leadership, or lecturing on political theory, would find students enriched by being exposed to the theoretical prisms and deep insights of this extraordinary volume.” —Richard M. Pious, Columbia University “Bruce Altschuler and Michael Genovese have assembled a compelling collection of essays that apply Shakespeare’s sixteenth-century excursions in human motivation to the contemporary political landscape. The experts in this volume interrogate an array of political topics through the Bard’s best known and less known plays. This rich blend of theater and politics also illuminates the complex politics of Shakespeare’s work and will be of interest to students and scholars in both fields.” —Caroline Heldman, Occidental College “Altschuler, Genovese, and their collaborators demonstrate conclusively that an Elizabethan-era English bard can cast light on contemporary politics in general and those of America in particular. This excellent volume should be required reading not only for all students of politics but also for practicing politicians because its exploration of power, ambition, and tyranny offers a salutary warning that men are not angels and the res publica requires a vigilant, engaged, and rational citizenry.” —Iwan Morgan, University College London “This well-written, beautifully crafted volume brings together smart and scholarly examinations of the Bard’s plays and power plays. Shakespeare and Politics is an engaging book that will inspire literature aficionados and political junkies alike.” —Alison Dagnes, Shippensburg University

• Introduction, Chapter 1 On Shakespeare’s Commanders and Kings: Leadership, Politics, and Hubris, Chapter 2 Macbeth and Political Corruption, Chapter 3 A Dionysian Hamlet, Chapter 4 Antony and Cleopatra: Empire, Globalization, and the Clash of Civilizations, Chapter 5 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: Tyrannicide in Julius Caesar, Chapter 6 Why Iago Is Evil: Othello and the American Desire to Understand Corruption, Chapter 7 Richard III, Tyranny, and the Modern Financial Elite, Chapter 8 Cymbeline and the Origins of Modern Liberty, Chapter 9 Shakespeare’s Henry V and Responsibility for War, Chapter 10 Troilus and Cressida: The Value of Reputations and the Corruption of Society, Chapter 11 Deception and Persuasion in Measure for Measure, Chapter 12 Absurdity and Amateur Hour in the American Political Forest: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Nightmare of Polarization, Index, About the Editors and Contributors