Theologies of Language in English Renaissance Literature

Extending a discussion of English rhetoric he began in John Donne and the Rhetorics of Renaissance Discourse (CH, Nov'91, 29-1348), Baumlin (Missouri State Univ.) focuses on the theologically inflected rhetorics of Shakespeare, Donne, and Milton. Following two chapters on Renaissance reading practices and adaptations of classical eloquence to Christian doctrine, he finds Hamlet's language mediating both Catholic and reformed beliefs. Three chapters present Donne's varied poetic personas of priest, apostate, and atheist. Three more chapters probe Milton's "kerygmatic and Spiritualist" rhetoric, which distinguishes it from that of Donne and classical theorists. Lycidas covertly derides the Laudian church, while Milton's "rhetoric of certitude" separates it from ancient models. Baumlin reads numerous poetic and prose texts meticulously; especially where Donne is concerned, he offers polyvalent readings stressing multiple voices and techniques rather than arguing for more restrictive, definitive interpretations….in all this volume helpfully explores the intersection of early modern rhetoric and faith. It deserves a place alongside such recent studies as Brian Cummings's The Literary Culture of the Reformation (2002). Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
Rhetoric provides the fabric of this book. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of Renaissance rhetoric and its intimate relation to theology can yield provocative readings of complex literary texts. Its style is clear: Baumlin acknowledges and engages the work of other scholars while carefully distinguishing his own line of argument. His frequent use of italics insures that readers can follow crucial points of theory. This book is a powerful demonstration of the importance of rhetorical theory to our understanding of English Renaissance literature. All scholars writing on the rhetoric of Shakespeare, Donne, or Milton should read it. * Renaissance Quarterly *
Benjamin's study is packed, learned, and provocative—well worth the reading. * Milton Quarterly *
In a stunning synthesis of literature, rhetoric, theology, and culture, Baumlin uses Shakespeare, Donne, and Milton as waystations on a new path through the English Renaissance. The traveler will find history rendered more complex and more concrete. There is much to learn on this journey. And much to astonish. -- George H. Jensen, author of Identities Across Texts
With a breadth of learning balanced by the sensitivity of his readings, Baumlin lays out the various theologies that inform the language use of Shakespeare, Donne, and Milton. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to place the works in longitudinal conversation with each other and with larger Reformation disputes over rhetoric and theology. From Hamlet to Paradise Regained, Baumlin makes one think hard and new about the secularization and desacralization of language in the late Renaissance. -- Sean Benson, University of Dubuque