During the last 300 years circus clowns have emerged as powerful cultural icons. This is the first semiotic analysis of the range of make-up and costumes through which the clowns performing identities have been established and go on developing. It also examines what Bouissac terms micronarratives - narrative meanings that clowns generate through their acts; dialogues and gestures. Putting a repertory of clown performances under the semiotic microscope leads to the conclusion that the performances are all interconnected and come from what might be termed a mythical matrix. These micronarratives replicate in context-sensitive forms a master narrative whose general theme refers to the emergence of cultures and constraints that they place upon instinctual behaviour. From this vantage point; each performance can be considered as a ritual which re-enacts the primitive violence inherent in all cultures and the temporary resolutions which must be negotiated as the outcome. Why do these acts of transgression and re-integration then trigger laughter and wonder? What kind of mirror does this put up to society? In a masterful semiotic analysis; Bouissac delves into decades of research to answer these questions.
#3579887 in eBooks 2015-04-28 2015-04-28File Name: B00WNO6S5M
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Springfield to StratfordBy Christian SchlectPeople with an interest in the life of Abraham Lincoln are aware that as an adult he enjoyed both attending the theater and reading the plays of William Shakespeare. This is the ideal book for the reader who wishes to explore this connection further.Professor Anderegg writes knowledgeably and well. His book not only covers the historical record related to Mr. Lincolns direct reading of the great Englishmans works; but also the Shakespearean actors and theater of the early to mid-19th century America.The book is strengthened by useful end-notes and a comprehensive bibliography.I especially enjoyed the epilogue. It references the many appropriate quotes mined from Shakespeare and used by saddened contemporaries in the aftermath of the assassination at Fords Theatre.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An insightful view of Lincoln and the role of Shakespeare in 19th Century AmericaBy Roland MengeI enjoyed this book by Michael Anderegg. The author presents a broad and detailed view of the role of Shakespeare in Lincolns life; and in doing also presents an interesting picture of the cultural life of 19th century America. This was the time when many American small towns had lyceums where speeches and cultural programs were available to the intellectually minded. It was a time when famous Shakespearean actors traveled alone to small town theaters to join with local casts in staging plays that the audience often had seen before and yet chose to see again. Anderegg tells how the boy Lincoln read and memorized Shakespearean quotes as part of the standard reading available in the grammar schools of the era; and how Lincoln built upon and continued this familiarity throughout his life. I thought the particular plays and passages that Lincoln loved said a great deal about his mental and psychological makeup as he struggled with the burden of the Civil War. For example; Lincoln was fond of the soliloquy spoken by Hamlets uncle; King Claudius; "Oh; my offense is rank it smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upont; A brothers murder." As with other passages Lincoln loved; much in them seems related to Lincolns remorse at having to prosecute the war. Among the many interesting details that the author conveys in this book is that Lincoln loved Shakespeare so much that he often read passages to his personal secretary; John Hay; or to his guests; and that Lincoln was so aware of the original script of plays that he was disturbed when scenes or passages were omitted or changed in plays he attended. In presenting and describing such details with obvious love and regard for both Lincoln and Shakespeare; Anderegg has made a fine contribution to our understanding of American culture at a time when America was divided by war and had only expanded half way across the frontier with exposure to culture something that had to be actively sought.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Linclon and the BardBy Albert A. NofiA summary of the review on StrategyPage.Comrof. Anderegg (emeritus; North Dakota); author of several works on Shakespeare and American culture; looks at Lincolnrsquo;s relationship to the Bard. In the process; he reminds us that Lincoln was a great admirer of Shakespeare ; and although he rarely quoted the man in his own writing; he often did so in conversation and speeches. Anderegg opens with a discussion of Shakespearersquo;s widespread presence in early nineteenth century America; where his plays were well known; albeit in truncated or wildly modified form; and printed editions of his works were widely circulated. Anderegg then discusses Lincolnrsquo;s reading of Shakespeare; his exposure to staged versions of the plays; noting that "Hamlet"; "Macbeth"; and the history plays were the Presidentrsquo;s favorites. We even learn that not only did Lincoln often attended performances by many of the stars of the theatre; among them John Wilkes Booth; but; rather surprisingly also corresponded with at least one actor; the comedian James H. Hackett; who often played Falstaff. This is an entertaining read; as it is as much about theatre in Lincolnrsquo;s America as it is about Shakespeare and Lincoln; and helps us understand how the 16th President came to be a master of the English language; and in the process tell us some interesting and amusing anecdotes about theatre in mid-nineteenth century America.For the full review; see StrategyPage.Com
