"The Roaring Girl and Other City Comedies" is a collection of four plays written by Thomas Dekker during the Elizabethan era. It features renowned works such as "The Shoemaker's Holiday," "Every Man In His Humour," "Eastward Ho!," and the eponymous "The Roaring Girl." These plays provide readers with a fascinating glimpse into the bustling and diverse world of 17th century London.
One standout play in the collection is "The Roaring Girl," which explores themes of gender and identity. The central character, Moll Cutpurse, challenges societal norms by defying traditional gender roles. Dekker's lively and witty writing style brings characters like Moll to life, offering readers an enjoyable and engaging experience.
"The Shoemaker's Holiday" is another remarkable play that tells a heartfelt story. It follows the journey of Simon Eyre, a humble shoemaker who rises to become the mayor of London. The play beautifully captures the essence of the era, incorporating themes of love, social class, and ambition. Dekker's ability to create relatable and sympathetic characters shines through in this work.
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"Every Man In His Humour" is a comedic masterpiece, showcasing Dekker's collaboration with fellow playwright Ben Jonson. The play delves into the concept of humours, or personality traits, and how they shape human behavior. With its clever plot twists and humorous wordplay, "Every Man In His Humour" represents the best of the genre.
Dekker's collaboration with Jonson continues in "Eastward Ho!" This play satirizes the obsession with colonialism and the exploits of British explorers. With its witty dialogue, humorous situations, and well-developed characters, "Eastward Ho!" is both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
What are readers saying?
The book "The Roaring Girl and Other City Comedies: The Shoemaker's Holiday, Every Man In His Humour, Eastward Ho!" by Thomas Dekker has garnered a mix of reviews. A significant number of readers found this collection of city comedies highly enjoyable and entertaining. They applauded the wit and cleverness evident in the plays, particularly highlighting "The Shoemaker's Holiday" and "Every Man In His Humour." These readers appreciated the humor and the vibrant characters brought to life within the stories, finding them both relatable and charming. Some even went so far as to describe the plays as masterpieces of their time.
However, there were also readers who expressed reservations about the book. Some found the language and writing style to be challenging, as the plays were written in an older form of English. The archaic language, they felt, made it difficult to fully understand and appreciate the subtle nuances of the stories. Additionally, a few readers mentioned struggling to form a connection with the characters and found the plotlines somewhat confusing.
Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, many readers lauded Thomas Dekker's skill as a playwright. They acknowledged the historical significance of his work and appreciated the insight into Elizabethan drama that this book provided. Some readers commended the inclusion of editor's notes in the edition, as these provided valuable context and enhanced their understanding of the plays.
Overall, "The Roaring Girl and Other City Comedies: The Shoemaker's Holiday, Every Man In His Humour, Eastward Ho!" by Thomas Dekker proved to be a thought-provoking and enjoyable read for those who appreciate classic literature. While some readers struggled with the language and character development, many others recognized the brilliance of Dekker's writing and the historical importance of the plays.