The Dynamics of Inheritance on the Shakespearean Stage

by Michelle M. Dowd

Early modern England's system of patrilineal inheritance, in which the eldest son inherited his father's estate and title, was one of the most significant forces affecting social order in the period. Demonstrating that early modern theatre played a unique and vital role in shaping how inheritance was understood, Michelle M. Dowd explores some of the common contingencies that troubled this marriage and remarriage, misbehaving male heirs, and families with only daughters. Shakespearean drama helped question and reimagine inheritance practices, making room for new formulations of gendered authority, family structure, and wealth transfer. Through close readings of canonical and non-canonical plays by Shakespeare, Webster, Jonson, and others, Dowd pays particular attention to the significance of space in early modern inheritance and the historical relationship between dramatic form and the patrilineal economy. Her book will interest researchers and students of early modern drama, Shakespeare, gender studies, and socio-economic history.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

Reviews

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting, scholarly book on how the early modern stage portrays problems with the "first son gets all" model of inheritance. Despite the title, Dowd doesn't stick to Shakespeare, but deals with both well and little known plays of the period. This is not light reading, but is well worth the time.