Cultural Poetics is term Stephen Greenblatt uses in his book Renaissance Self-Fashioning, meaning the interpretation of literature as an essential element in the cultural creation of identity. ... That the "Renaissance figures we have considered understand that in our culture to abandon the craving for freedom, and to let go of one's stubborn hold upon selfhood, even selfhood conceived as a fiction, is to die". Chapter one describes, "the complex interplay in More's life and writings of self-fashioning and self-cancellation, the crafting of a public role and the profound desire t...

• Word Count: 552
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

The apparently outdated language of Shakespeare is given new life for the modern context, enabling audiences to better understand the original text & thus elevating the play. ... Shakespeare's original script was employing the theatrical conventions of the Renaissance era, whilst Pacino employs post-modernistic cinematic features to convey his representation. ...

• Word Count: 718
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Hamlet at this point in his life is going through great difficulty trying to cope with his father's murder and his mother's quick marriage to his uncle. ... Once again he goes back into his thinking and questioning mode which can be associated with the Renaissance man where reason takes over his emotions and he begins to organize a plan to discover Claudius's guilt, and also even question the ghost's motives. ... At this point he is going through a difficult time in his life as he is experiencing the transformation from adolescence to adulthood. ... By recognizing his youth...

• Word Count: 1574
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In each production of Henry V, the emphasis changes: Henry can appear to be "the mirror of all Christian Kings" or as a cynic who uses the, seemingly corrupt, church to justify his actions. The play is full of noble speeches, heroic battles, and valiant English underdogs fighting their way to victory against all odds. King Henry seems to be a perfect leader - brave, modest, and fiercely determined, but with a sense of humour. Although his intentions may be honourable, the motives for them may not. He may be acting upon a purse offered by the church, and only undertaking the campaign for his ow...

• Word Count: 3298
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: Undergraduate