Shakespearean Metaphysics (Shakespeare Now!) - of a Literary Study

In this review of Shakespearean Metaphysics readers will find a focused study that argues for Shakespeare as part of a metaphysical tradition. The book is best for scholars and serious readers who want a close-reading approach to big philosophical questions in drama, because the authors approach plays as arguments rather than treatises. The single biggest reason to consider this volume is its sustained close readings of The Tempest, King Lear and Twelfth Night, which make a persuasive case for Shakespeare's engagement with questions about substance, event and the limits of empiricism.

Key Features

• Close readings: The book offers detailed readings of three major plays that reveal how dramatic practice stages metaphysical issues rather than stating them in philosophical prose.
• Comparative argument: It situates Shakespeare against empiricism and Cartesian dualism, helping readers see the plays as responses to dominant philosophical currents.
• Focused scope: Concentrating on The Tempest, King Lear and Twelfth Night provides depth and allows the authors to develop a sustained interpretive thesis.
• Interdisciplinary reach: The text bridges literature and philosophy, useful for those interested in history of ideas and dramatic form.
• Scholarly voice: The tone and evidence suit graduate seminars and advanced undergraduate courses that demand careful textual argument.

Who It's For

The primary audience is literature scholars, graduate students and thoughtful readers who want to explore Shakespeare through the lens of metaphysical inquiry. Teachers designing a module on Shakespeare and philosophy will find the close readings directly usable in class discussion and seminar assignments.

Readers seeking a general introduction to metaphysics or a lightweight companion to the plays should look elsewhere; this volume assumes familiarity with the dramatic texts and with basic philosophical terms and debates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides rigorous, text-focused arguments that illuminate Shakespeare's treatment of ultimate questions.
• Connects theatrical practice to philosophical traditions in a way that supports interdisciplinary study.
• Concentrated analysis of three plays gives depth and repeatable interpretive tools for readers and teachers.

Cons

• The book's scholarly register and narrow scope may be challenging for casual readers looking for general overview.

Specifications

Title	Shakespearean Metaphysics (Shakespeare Now!)
Authors / Editors	Michael Witmore, Ewan Fernie, Simon Palfrey
Primary focus	Close readings of The Tempest, King Lear, Twelfth Night
Subject areas	Literature, metaphysics, history of criticism
Approach	Comparative literary-philosophical analysis
Best for	Scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates

Our Verdict

Shakespearean Metaphysics is a worthwhile purchase for readers seeking a sustained argument that Shakespeare stages metaphysical problems within dramatic form. Its close readings of three major plays justify the thesis and provide valuable material for teaching and research, though casual readers may prefer a more introductory text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover many plays?
It focuses on The Tempest, King Lear and Twelfth Night rather than offering broad coverage across the canon.

Is prior philosophical knowledge required?
Basic familiarity with terms like empiricism and dualism helps, since the book engages with those debates in relation to the plays.

Is this suitable for classroom use?
Yes; the close readings and argumentative structure make it useful for seminars and upper-level courses.