Adultery, intrigue, murder, revenge: the densely-packed plot of The
White Devil touches on topics that are representative of the atmosphere
of Jacobean tragedy. Part tragedy, part satire of a corrupt political
world, the play explores the relations of the powerful to the
disempowered; the opportunities and constraints of women trying to
survive in a male-dominated society; the complex distribution of social
hierarchy by birth, wealth, gender, race; and the way the skills
licensed by the theatre itself - including disguise and both the
performance and interpretation of character - become crucial survival
skills, in a world of hidden motives and concealed intentions. Now
comprehensively re-edited, with an introduction that addresses issues of
performance, cultural and historical context, and interpretation,
exploring the dark energy that has impelled audiences and scholars to
return to this play again and again across four centuries.
Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary
scholarship, providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary and
guiding the reader to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the
play.
This edition provides:
A clear and authoritative text
Detailed on-page commentary notes
A comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play's historical,
cultural and performance contexts
A bibliography of references and further reading
ARDEN EARLY MODERN DRAMA
General Editors: Suzanne Gossett, John Jowett and Gordon McMullan
Visit the Arden website at www.ardenshakespeare.com
