ENL 4161 Bourus Spring 2021

This course will examine the theatre of Shakespeare’s contemporaries. Disguise, revenge, crossdressing, illicit sex, stage violence, plays-within-plays—all feature prominently in the exciting works of playwrights such as Marlowe, Jonson, Middleton, and Dekker. Our course will begin by exploring theoretical issues that arise when we consider the relationship between oral performance and printed text. We will then read a variety of Renaissance plays with an eye to their theatrical and cultural contexts. Detailed literary analysis will be complemented by discussion of issues as gender and sexuality, medicine, religion, witchcraft, seasonal festivity, and popular culture. Active class participation is required. No background in Renaissance literature necessary, though prior experience with Shakespeare is a plus.