Exploring Catholic Faith in Shakespearean Drama
Towards a Philosophy of Education
David Torevell author Luke Taylor author Brandon Schneeberger author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:30th Mar '25
£145.00
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This pioneering study investigates the connection between Shakespeare and Catholic education. Its authors contend that Shakespeare’s plays explore Catholic understandings of human life in ways that remain relevant for Catholic educational institutions today.
Through chapters focusing on ethical and existential themes – love, desire, the body, marriage, virginity, evil, finitude, jealousy, and lies – the authors demonstrate Shakespeare’s wide-ranging engagement with early modern Catholic belief and practice. At the same time, they argue that Shakespeare’s treatment of Catholic faith, through imaginative literature rather than magisterial discourse, and dramatically rather than didactically, provides a pedagogical model for contemporary teachers.
The first volume to trace the relationship between a philosophy of Catholic education and Shakespearean drama, it will appeal strongly to all those working in Catholic educational settings, particularly those tasked with strengthening the mission of their institution, as well as to scholars and researchers of literacy education, religious education, and to those interested in the dynamic between education and drama.
This volume represents a major contribution to our appreciation of the place of Shakespeare—and, indeed, all great literature—in the formation and training of students, especially Catholics, who live in a post-secular world. The authors masterfully combine careful and original readings of Shakespeare’s major works with insights into their application to human life and the question of God. This exciting collection brings cutting-edge scholarship into conversation with the daily challenges faced by educators who hope to speak religiously to all students, from the skeptical to the devout.
Rev. Prof. Brian Dunkle, S.J., Ph.D.
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
This is a book about big themes and profound questions—who are we, what’s right, and who are we called to be. Anyone who has taught literature knows how Shakespeare can move students to think deeply about all the things that make being human so complicated—from love and desire to jealousy and lies. The authors of this volume provide a great service by putting all that into conversation with the richness of the Catholic tradition. I can imagine teachers, not only in Catholic institutions but in all schools committed to the humanities, finding this book especially helpful.
Dean Rev. Prof. Mick McCarthy, S.J., Ph.D.
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
ISBN: 9781032741864
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 600g
226 pages