Courtships, Marriage Customs, and Shakespeare's Comedies

Explore the intricate relationship between Shakespeare's comedies and the social dynamics of his time in Courtships, Marriage Customs, and Shakespeare's Comedies by Loreen L. Giese. Published by Palgrave USA in 2007, this enlightening hardback spans 217 pages and delves into over 5,000 court depositions that were contemporaneous with Shakespeare's works. Giese's research reveals how these plays not only reflect but also engage with the cultural fabric of their era, highlighting women's roles as active participants who challenge societal norms. By examining both the court records and Shakespeare's narratives, this book offers a unique perspective on domestic relations law and the evolution of marriage customs. Ideal for enthusiasts of literature, social history, and gender studies, this scholarly work invites readers to reconsider the impact of Shakespeare's comedies on the understanding of gender and family law in the United States.