This guide surveys the truly essential criticism of the play over the last four centuries, from 16th-century responses to the present day. Discussing key areas of debate, and a wide range of scholarship, Gillian Woods provides an invaluable introduction to the vast array of criticism surrounding one of Shakespeare's most popular plays.
Focusing on the interplay between Catholicism and Shakespearean drama, the book explores the imaginative influence of Catholic themes despite the Reformation's restrictions. Through a combination of literary analysis and historical research, it provides a fresh perspective on the dramatic impact of these elements in Shakespeare's works, offering insights into the tension between faith and artistic expression during that era.