The Language of Doctor Who: From Shakespeare to Alien Tongues

(Hardback)

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In a richly developed fictional universe, Doctor Who, a wandering survivor of a once-powerful alien civilization, possesses powers beyond human comprehension. He can bend the fabric of time and space with his TARDIS, alter the destiny of worlds, and drive entire species into extinction. The good doctors eleven regenerations and fifty years worth of adventures make him the longest-lived hero in science-fiction television. In The Language of Doctor Who: From Shakespeare to Alien Tongues, Jason Barr and Camille D. G. Mustachio present several essays that use language as an entry point into the character and his universe. Ranging from the original to the rebooted television seriesthrough the adventures of the first eleven Doctorsthese essays explore how written and spoken language have been used to define the Doctors ever-changing identities, shape his relationships with his many companions, and give him power over his enemieseven the implacable Daleks. Individual essays focus on fairy tales, myths, medical-travel narratives, nursery rhymes, and, of course, Shakespeare. Contributors consider how the Doctors companions speak with him through graffiti, how the Doctor himself uses postmodern linguistics to communicate with alien species, and how language both unites and divides fans of classic Who and new Who as they try to converse with each other. Broad in scope, innovative in approach, and informed by a deep affection for the program, The Language of Doctor Who will appeal to scholars of science fiction, television, and language, as well as to fans looking for a new perspective on their favorite Time Lord.

Author Bio

Jason Barr teaches English at Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia. His articles have appeared in the African American Review, The Explicator, and Inquiry. Camille D. G. Mustachio is an English instructor at Germanna Community College. A specialist in medieval and Renaissance literature, she holds a BA and MA in English from George Mason University. She has published study guides for the American Shakespeare Center Resident Troupe on As You Like It, Macbeth, Othello, and The Tempest.