The Patriarchy of Shakespeare’s Comedies

In this book, Marilyn L. Williamson undertakes a study of the power relationships in Shakespeare’s comedies. Traditionally, the comedies, which deal with love and private life, are not interpreted in terms of power relationships. New definitions of power within feminist and post-structuralist thought, as in the work of Michel Foucault, provide a framework for her readings. Williamson’s approach is contextual; she does not look for topical references, but for connections between the artistic work and a wide range of cultural artifacts which will help the reader understand the language within which any artist could make representations for that society