Christian humanism in Shakespeare /Lee Oser.
- Washington, D.C. : The Catholic University of America Press, (c)2022.
- 1 online resource
Includes bibliographies and index.
Introduction: Thinking of Shakespeare as a Christian -- Theological comedy in A midsummer night's dream -- Moral figures in The merchant of Venice -- The Henriad : a skeptical Christian writes history -- Free will in Hamlet? -- On not understanding King Lear's hidden God -- Conclusion: Shakespeare and the radical middle.
"Oser reviews the rival cases for a Protestant Shakespeare and for a Catholic Shakespeare, but leaves the issue open, focusing, instead, on how Shakespeare exploits artistic resources that are specific to Christianity, including the classical-Christian rhetorical tradition. The scope of the book ranges from an introductory survey of the critical field as it now stands, to individual chapters on A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, the Henriad, Hamlet, and King Lear. Oser holds that mainstream literary criticism has created a false picture of Shakespeare by secularizing him and misconstruing the nature of his art. Through careful study of the plays, the author portrays Shakespeare as a friend to the enduring project of humanistic education"--
9780813235110
2022004193
Humanism, Religious, in literature. Christianity in literature. Christian humanism--England. Christianity and literature--History--England--16th century. English drama--History and criticism.--Early modern and Elizabethan, 1500-1600