Love's Labour Lost de Shakespeare

This critical volume, edited by Christian Gutleben, examines William Shakespeare's 'Love's Labour's Lost,' exploring its complex nature as a comedy that challenges traditional genre expectations. The book is structured into three parts, each preceded by an introduction discussing the central paradox of the play: its attempt to seduce the audience while critiquing the characters' own attempts at seduction. The first part focuses on language, highlighting the play's intricate wordplay and formal fireworks. The second part delves into poetry and dance, revealing the ambiguity of seemingly light-hearted strategies. The third part addresses the serious moral and ideological stakes hidden beneath the play's surface, questioning various forms of power, both social and sexual. The volume concludes with an analysis of rhetorical techniques and an interview with a Royal Shakespeare Company director, offering insights into the play's theatricality.