Goddesses, Mages, and Wise Women : The Female Pastoral Guide in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century English Drama

From the "The Renaissance female pastoral guide, in the form of goddess, mage, and/or wise woman, uses magic, witty game playing, advice, and penance or tests of virtue to guide the other characters to a better understanding of themselves and their relationship to society. She possesses a bond with the sacred harmony of nature that enables her to recognize the corruptions of society...." Yang (English, Worcester State College) explores these themes through close study of works including Endymion, A Midsmmer Night's Dream, Love's Victory, and All's Well That Ends Well, among others. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) The Early Guide As The Light In The Sky -- Mages And Sages Versus The Witch -- Queens And Goddesses: Endymion, Midsummer Night's Dream, And Love's Victory -- The Pastoral Guide: The Mage And Female Scholar -- The Faithful Shepherdess: Handmaiden Of The Great God Pan -- Subversive Wise Woman: The Doctor She Of All's Well That Ends Well -- Curing By Counsel: Rosalind Of As You Like It -- And Afterwards. Sharon Rose Yang. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.