Violent and recurrent confrontations between disorderly women and patriarchal power are a major feature of the tragedies of Shakespeare, Webster, and Middleton. In this study, Loomba interrelates racial and sexual differences to explore the construction of Renaissance authority and the politics of English studies, particularly Renaissance drama, in postcolonial education. These recurrent confrontations between women and the patriarchal status-quo are discussed in light of the historical and theoretical interweaving of race and gender. The book will be of interest to those studying the history of women and education as well as those interested in Renaissance drama.