Reading and Rhetoric in Montaigne and Shakespeare [Paperback]

Shakespare and Montaigne are the English and French writers of the sixteenth century who have the most to say to modern readers. Shakespeare certainly drew on Montaigne's essay 'On Cannibals' in writingThe Tempestand debates have raged amongst scholars about the playwright's obligations to Montaigne in passages from earlier plays includingHamlet,King LearandMeasure for Measure.

Peter Mack argues that rather than continuing the undeterminable quarrel about how early in his career Shakespeare came to Montaigne, we should focus on the similar techniques they apply to shared sources. Grammar school education in the sixteenth century placed a special emphasis on reading classical texts in order to reuse both the ideas and the rhetoric. This book examines the ways in which Montaigne and Shakespeare used their reading and argued with it to create something new. It is the most sustained account available of the similarities and differences between these two great writers, casting light on their ethical and philosophical views and on how these were conveyed to their audience.

Shakespeare and Montaigne are the English and French writers of the sixteenth century who have the most to say to modern readers. This fascinating and rigorous book explores the relationship between the work of these great writers in the light of their rhetorical training.

Preface and Note on Texts

1. Introduction: Renaissance Education in Reading and Writing

2. Montaigne's Use of His Reading

3. Montaigne's Logic of Fragment and Sequence

4. Logic and Narrative in Shakespeare and Montaigne

5. History in Montaigne and Shakespeare

6. Ethical Issues in Montaigne and Shakespeare

Conclusion

Select Bibliography

Notes

Index

Peter Mack is Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Warwick, UK.