Author: Bertram, Benjamin

Source: Exemplaria, Volume 21, Number 3, Fall 2009 , pp. 296-318(23)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

The metaphor of the body was at the heart of the symbolic order in early modern England; it forged a language of intersubjectivity that enabled people to see the concrete particulars of experience and the sacrifices and pleasures of everyday life as part of a social totality. Using Falstaff's comic paean to sack in act 4, scene 2, of Henry IV, Part Two as a focal point, this essay argues that the debauched knight calls somatic theories of society into question. Examining metaphors of the body of trade and the body politic, the essay places Falstaff in the context of global trade and argues that his body is a synecdoche for the marketplace.

Keywords: PRIVATE; MARKETPLACE; PLEASURE; BODY; TOTALITY; SHAKESPEARE; FALSTAFF; TRADE

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/175330709X449062

Affiliations: University of Southern Maine

Publication date: 2009-09-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Top articles
• L&LSpotlight
• Virtual L&L
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• By this author: Bertram, Benjamin

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers