Loreen L. Giese's study of over 5000 important folios of court depositions contemporary with Shakespeare's plays demonstrates the complex ways those plays participate in and comment upon their culture, rather than stand apart from it. Both the court records and the plays present women as agents who are capable of challenging their traditional roles.

Autorentext
LOREEN L. GIESE is Assistant Professor of English at Ohio University, USA.

Inhalt
Introduction: Consenting Adults: 'In the way of marriage' Choosing a Spouse Determining Marital Suitability Courting Behaviors: Talking, Tokens, and Touching Contracting Couples: Vows, Hand Holding, and Gift Giving Postscript: Assessing Public Fame and Mapping the Matrimonial Maze