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Explores the presence of the medieval theme of romance in Merchant of Venice through the loving relationship between Bassanio and Antonio, as well as "how . . . an enduring cultural link between noble ethics and emotional friendship finds poetic expression in [the play]."

Uses Shakespeare to create a theoretical and historical account of the early modern "representation market," the market place for cultural goods.

Using Laurie Shannon's essay "Eight Animals in Shakespeare; or, Before the Human" (q.v.) and Jacques Derrida's The Beast and the Sovereign and The Animal That Therefore I Am as a framework, discusses the appearance of insects, particularly bees, in early modern texts including Henry V (1.2).

Argues that Shakespeare uses mathematical paradoxes in Troilus and Cressida to further disorient audience and readers.

Corrects misconception that Sir John Talbot, mentioned in act 4, scene 7 of 1 Henry VI, was an ancestor of Lord Strange, a patron of Shakespeare's. Argues that this scene was written in 1592 for Lord Strange's Men.

Shows how in Othello Shakespeare used George Manwaring's account of his attack by a Turk. Analyzes how accounts of Manwaring's attack transformed over time before becoming a part of Shakespeare's text and discusses the cultural and political ramifications of this transformation.

Suggests that Othello's cry of "O blood, blood, blood" (3.3) highlights both the savagery of Othello's characterization and early modern literature's emphasis on violence as a conveyor of meaning. Examines how portrayals of bodies in Othello act as negotiators between physical, social, psychological, and racial self-identities.

Focusing on Hamlet's mention of "your philosophy" to Horatio, investigates Shakespeare's concept of philosophy and analyzes Horatio's function in the play, specifically noting the ways Horatio constantly seeks out meaning from ambiguous and enigmatic signs and the ways he informs and assists Hamlet.

Uses the interaction of French and English in Henry V "to examine what happens when English is set alongside foreign tongues: why they are used, how they are represented, and how they interact."

Analyzes the relationship between Portia and Nerissa in Merchant of Venice, challenging the assumption that the women are friends and arguing that the play "lends itself to a more cynical interpretation of their hierarchical relationship, one that could cast a shadow on the dual nuptials with which the play concludes."