'Constant in any undertaking': Writing the Lipsian State in Measure for Measure

CADMAN, Daniel (2017). 'Constant in any undertaking': Writing the Lipsian State in Measure for Measure. In: HALSEY, Katie and VINE, Angus, (eds.) Shakespeare and Authority: Citations, Conceptions and Constructions. Houndmills, Palgrave Macmillan. (In Press)

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Abstract

This chapter considers Measure for Measure as a response to De Constantia and Politica, the two major works of the Flemish neo-stoic philosopher and political theorist, Justus Lipsius and, by doing so, highlights that Duke Vincentio’s methods of exercising his authority are two-fold: he commends and seeks to inspire the virtue of constancy in his subjects (as recommended in De Constantia), whilst, at the same time, using questionable methods to strengthen his own political power (similar to the often underhand political pragmatism advocated in the Politica). The representation of such strategies is part of the play’s sustained interrogation of Lipsian statecraft and the effects of the tensions generated through the co-existence of the two principal tenets of constancy and governmental prudence.

Item Type:	Book Section
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Humanities Research Centre
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities > Department of Humanities
Depositing User:	Daniel Cadman
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2017 14:54
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 17:00
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17118

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