Contending that the anti-feminist backlash in the academy is part of the broader politically correct rhetoric, the authors have gathered together a collection of writers, academics and activists to challenge the rising tide of insults, insinuation and spoken violence in academia. With the classroom's climate increasingly chilly for women, this study is a response to the assault on feminist thinkers, critics and academics. Offering a spirited response to the wave of tenure disputes, departmental fights and flights, the contributors examine the imaginary construction of feminist threats by those seeking to undermine and denigrate the role of women in the academy. The contributors explore possible responses, actions and remedies, as well as carefully exploring the roots of the backlash against women.

..". an important volume for scholar and student alike, and atribute to the enduring contributions of its authors." -- RenaissanceQuarterly

"These thought-provoking essays run the gamut offeminist criticism on tragedy." -- ShakespeareQuarterly

"Highly recommended... " --Choice

These essays mount a powerful critique of the tragic heroas representative of the errors and sufferings of humankind. They come from avariety of perspectives -- including feminist new historicism, psychoanalysis, poststructuralism, and autobiographical criticism. While considering Shakespeare'searliest attempts at tragedy in Richard III and Titus Andronicus, this volume alsocovers the major tragic period, giving special attention to Othello.