Product Description

In this book, Charles and Elaine Hallett invite the reader to follow the actions of Shakespeare’s plays. They show that the conventional division of the plays into scenes does not help the reader or play goer to discover how the narrative works. They offer instead a division into smaller units which they define as beats, sequences and frames. Detailed analysis of the unfolding action reveals that Shakespeare’s scenes frequently consist of a series of sequences, each with its own individual climax, and these sequences are regularly built up of a succession of smaller units, or beats. Several sequences usually work together to create a still larger action, or frame. Study of these components yields valuable information about Shakespeare’s playwriting techniques. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of Shakespeare and theatre studies as well as to actors and directors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3353506 in Books
• Published on: 1991-04-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 244 pages

Customer Reviews

So much more than first meets the eye.
This book is outstanding. If you are willing to put aside scholarly debate for a moment you will find untold riches inside. Whether an actor, writer (film or stage) or director you'll find this book inspirational. Hollywood is only just catching up with the dramatic understanding Shakespeare had 400 years ago. The book is most useful, I think, as an aide to understanding the structure which drives Shakespearean drama and makes it so compelling. So many productions, which struggle under the weight of the beauty of Shakespeare's language, could be rescued by understanding more fully what propels the characters, what their goals and struggles are and how Shakespeare makes this clear for all to understand if you just know what to look for.

Drama is driven by desires, actions, complications, conflict, crises and resolutions. Charles and Elaine have produced a book which provides the master key for unlocking Shakespeare's use of these devices and so much more. It deserves much more attention than it has been given. Analyzing Shakespeare's Action: Scene Versus Sequence should be used more widely as a master class in understanding how to deconstruct the plays to find how they work and as a consequence we just might engage the millions out there who "just don't get Shakespeare".