1. Traub, Valerie. The Renaissance of Lesbianism in Early Modern England. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2002. Print.

The above work is perfect for Twelfth Night and Gallathea. It is about the invisibility of lesbianism. We clearly see this with Olivia and Viola/Cesario. In Gallathea, the love between Phyllida and Gallathea is invisible lesbianism.

It focuses on the meaning of gay and straight since the lovers above do not know the true sex and gender of each other. How would one represent the women in the above plays? Are they really straight or lesbian? This plays right into the confusion of identity.

If you’re focusing on sex and identity, I highly recommend using Traub’s book as a source.

2. Morris, Ivor. Shakespeare’s God: The Role of Religion in the Tragedies. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1972. Print.

The second work is perfect for The Merchant of Venice or any other Shakespeare plays that has religious themes. You might be able to use this source for Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta since they are somewhat connected. Shakespeare did write The Merchant of Venice in response to Marlowe’s work.