Shakespeare and Trauma Theory
Description
Kelsey Ridge provides a thorough overview of how we can use trauma theory to understand Shakespeare through its intellectual and practical application. Ridge covers the history of trauma theory from Freud to Holocaust studies and PTSD by drawing on psychoanalytic theory, feminist theory, post-colonial theory and disability studies.
The Rape of Lucrece, Titus Andronicus, and Merchant of Venice provide initial case studies of trauma-informed analyses of Shakespeare, whilst a focus on adaptation furthers our understanding of key plays and productions. These include The Tempest, The Percys' Opera inspired by Henry IV, Part 1, and Cry Havoc!, a production by the trauma-focused theatre company De-Cruit, which together suggest how trauma theory can be used as a tool for analysing Shakespeare as well as engaging with the lived experience of trauma itself. In communicating these interpretations, Ridge provides a set of tools for those wanting to conduct their own trauma theory analyses of Shakespeare, productions and adaptations themselves. A dynamic resource for academics, students, and theatre practitioners, Shakespeare and Trauma Theory includes suggested readings and resources as well as a glossary of key terms to support understanding of an important and growing field in Shakespeare studies.
Accessibility Information
Additional accessibility information
- Conforms with the requirements of EPUB Accessibility Spec v1.1
- WCAG level AA
- WCAG v2.2 compliant
- Accessibility request contact
Support for non-visual reading
- No accessibility features offered by the reading system, device or reading software are disabled or otherwise unusable with the product
- Has alternative text descriptions for images
Visual adjustments
Appearance of the text and page layout can be modified (font, spacing, colors)
Navigation
- Page list to go to pages from the print source version
- Elements such as headings, tables, etc for structured navigation
- All or substantially all textual matter is arranged in a single logical reading order
- Content is enhanced with ARIA roles to optimize organization and facilitate navigation
- Purposes of all links are made clear
Rich content
Language tagging provided
Table of Contents
Introduction: Writing (About the) Wounded
1. Trauma Theory: A History
2. Shakespeare and Trauma Theory: A History
3. Literary Case Study: Ariel and Caliban in The Tempest
4. Theatrical Case Study: R+J
5. Theatrical Case Study: Cry Havoc! and DE-CRUIT
Appendix
Index
Product details
| Published | 19 Feb 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (Epub & Mobi) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 184 |
| ISBN | 9781350439115 |
| Imprint | The Arden Shakespeare |
| Series | Shakespeare and Theory |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Related Titles
