Shakespeare. The Poetics of Theatricality

When did the action of "Hamlet" take place? What did Hamlet do on Christmas night? What kind of poison did Hamlet prepare for Claudius? Was the ghost deaf or dumb? What flower did Ophelia give to the king? What was Polonius's nationality? Is it possible to crack Shakespeare's numerical code? When did Desdemona die? How long did Juliet's lethargy last? You will find the answers to these and many other questions in this fascinating book written as a literary thriller. Analysing plot structures, motifs and metaphors in Shakespeare's plays the author explores various patterns of theatricality which illuminate the sub-surface aspects of dramatic art.