Political Animal

Description: This book is a close examination of one of Shakespeare's most controversial characters: Prince Hal/Henry V. From his early tavern dalliances with Sir John Falstaff, to his assumption of the English throne, to his military successes and marriage, the analysis weighs his many disparate qualities, such as charm, aggression, wit, and faith, as well as his relationship to questions about power, religion, and morality that dominate Shakespeare's history plays. The study also links this complex figure to electoral issues and strategies of our own day. Endorsements: ""An elegant reading of these plays by one who has spent a career teaching them."" -Joseph A. Dane, Professor of English, University of Southern California ""Victor Cahn not only provides an invaluable guide for students in the literary classroom, but compellingly presents a 'producible interpretation' that will prove of great benefit to actors and directors engaged in performing the Henriad."" -Marc Silverstein Hollifield Professor of English, Auburn University About the Contributor(s): Victor L. Cahn is Professor of English at Skidmore College. His other books include Shakespeare the Playwright: A Companion to the Complete Tragedies, Histories, Comedies, and Romances. Several of his own scripts have been produced off Broadway and published by Samuel French, Inc.