In this paper, I am going to show that the play "Cambises" by Thomas Preston is a very complex play combining different kinds of traditions, namely the morality play, the history play, the (de casibus) tragedy, and the comedy or farce.
After some general remarks concerning the time the play was written, its author, the content of the play and Shakespeare’s knowledge of the play, I am going to explain in detail how each of these traditions comes into play by showing in how far the play matches the definitions of each tradition. This will be followed, in each instance, by a hypothesis about the different traditions’ intentions. I will, then, briefly look at the influence of Orientalism on the play. The conclusion will, first of all, sum up this paper, and, afterwards, address some open questions that could not be addressed in this paper but would still be interesting to look at in order to get a better understanding of the play.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I INTRODUCTION
- A Time and Authorship
- B The play
- 1. General Remarks
- 2. Content
- a A Virtuous King
- b Three Evil Actions Initiating Cambises' Fall From Virtue
- c Two More Evil Actions Leading to Cambises' Death
- C Shakespeare and Cambises
- II MAIN PART
- A Hybrid Play
- 1. A Morality Play
- 2. A History Play
- 3. A (De Casibus) Tragedy
- 4. Farce/Comedy
- B Orientalism in Cambises
- 1. Edward Said's "Orientalism"
- 2. Orientalism on stage
- 3. Intention
- A Hybrid Play
- III CONCLUSION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of Thomas Preston's play, Cambises, by analyzing its blend of different dramatic traditions: morality play, history play, (de casibus) tragedy, and farce/comedy. The paper aims to explore how these traditions intertwine and contribute to the play's overall meaning and effect.
- The interplay of various dramatic traditions in Cambises
- The portrayal of tyranny and its consequences in the character of Cambyses
- The use of comedic elements and the role of the vice figure, Ambidexter
- The influence of Orientalism on the play's depiction of Persia
- The possible connection between Cambises and Shakespeare's works
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter establishes the context for analyzing Thomas Preston's Cambises. It briefly discusses the play's authorship, dating around 1560 with publication in 1569, and potential connections to Thomas Preston, Master of Trinity College. The chapter also provides a general overview of the play's content, highlighting its dual protagonists, Cambyses and Ambidexter, and its blending of serious and comedic elements. The author's intention to analyze the play's structure through different dramatic traditions is clearly outlined, setting the stage for the detailed analysis in subsequent chapters. A key aspect established is the play’s thematic focus on tyranny and the exploration of morality through various dramatic lenses. The introduction also suggests the play's possible influence on Shakespeare, laying the groundwork for later discussion.
II MAIN PART: This section delves into the core argument of the paper, meticulously dissecting the diverse dramatic traditions evident in Cambises. It systematically examines the play's elements through the lenses of morality play, history play, (de casibus) tragedy, and farce/comedy, offering definitions for each genre and identifying corresponding elements in Preston's work. The analysis not only identifies these elements but also speculates on their respective intentions within the play’s overall structure and narrative. Crucially, this section demonstrates the author's approach to interpreting the play's complexity, arguing that it is not merely a haphazard combination of genres but a purposeful integration aimed at exploring particular themes. The section culminates in an exploration of Orientalism in the play, linking it to Edward Said’s concept and discussing its impact on the stage representation of Persia.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cambises - A Multifaceted Dramatic Analysis
What is the main objective of this paper analyzing Thomas Preston's *Cambises*?
The primary goal is to showcase the multifaceted nature of *Cambises* by examining its blend of dramatic traditions: morality play, history play, (de casibus) tragedy, and farce/comedy. The paper explores how these traditions interweave and contribute to the play's overall meaning and impact.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of *Cambises*?
Key themes include the interplay of various dramatic traditions within the play; the portrayal of tyranny and its consequences through the character of Cambyses; the use of comedic elements and the role of the vice figure, Ambidexter; the influence of Orientalism on the play's depiction of Persia; and potential connections between *Cambises* and Shakespeare's works.
What is the structure of the analysis presented in the document?
The analysis is structured into three main parts: An introduction providing context and a general overview of the play; a main part that delves into the core argument by dissecting the various dramatic traditions present in *Cambises*; and a conclusion (though the provided text does not detail its contents).
How does the introduction set the stage for the analysis?
The introduction establishes the context by briefly discussing the play's authorship and dating (around 1560, published in 1569), its potential connection to Thomas Preston, and provides a general overview of the play’s content. It highlights the dual protagonists, Cambyses and Ambidexter, and the blend of serious and comedic elements. The author's intention to analyze the play's structure through different dramatic lenses is clearly stated, setting the stage for the detailed analysis in the subsequent chapters. A key aspect highlighted is the play’s thematic focus on tyranny and moral exploration through various dramatic perspectives.
What is the focus of the main part of the analysis?
The main part meticulously examines the diverse dramatic traditions within *Cambises*. It systematically analyzes the play's elements through the lenses of morality play, history play, (de casibus) tragedy, and farce/comedy, providing definitions for each genre and identifying corresponding elements in Preston's work. It also explores the possible intentions behind the integration of these elements within the play’s structure and narrative, arguing for a purposeful integration rather than a haphazard combination. A crucial part focuses on exploring Orientalism in the play, linking it to Edward Said’s concept and discussing its impact on the stage representation of Persia.
What specific dramatic traditions are examined in the analysis of *Cambises*?
The analysis examines the play through the lenses of morality play, history play, (de casibus) tragedy, and farce/comedy, identifying and analyzing elements corresponding to each genre within the play.
What is the significance of the character of Ambidexter in *Cambises*?
Ambidexter, a vice figure, plays a significant role in the play, contributing to the comedic elements and interacting with the more serious aspects of the narrative. The analysis likely explores his contribution to the overall themes and structure of the play.
How does the analysis address Orientalism in *Cambises*?
The analysis connects the play's depiction of Persia to Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, examining its influence on the stage representation of Persia and exploring its possible intentions within the play.
What is the potential connection between *Cambises* and Shakespeare's works?
The analysis suggests a potential influence of *Cambises* on Shakespeare's works, though this connection isn't fully detailed in the provided text excerpt; it is presented as a point for further discussion.
- Quote paper
- Stephanie Wössner (Author), 2004, Thomas Prestons "Cambises". A hybrid play, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138113
