Shakespeare and Sexuality

This volume draws together ten important essays which use a variety of approaches and materials to explore the significance of sexuality in Shakespeare’s work. Some consider the erotic effect of Shakespeare’s language in his use of metaphor and the transgressive riddle and pun. Others are concerned with expressions of desire (male, female, inter-racial, homosexual and heterosexual) in performance as well as text. A radical re-reading of Shakespeare’s Sonnets shifts the sexual focus from a male lover to a black woman. The essays, many of which are reprinted from Shakespeare Survey, are introduced by Ann Thompson’s freshly considered survey of the topic in recent criticism, and conclude with a new account by Celia Daileader of nudity in Shakespeare films.