Shakespeare's Heroes - Professor Sir Jonathan Bate CBE FBA

TL;DR

Shakespeare's heroes are shaped by the influence of classical antiquity, as seen through their use of rhetoric and their complex attitudes towards heroism.

Transcript

well good evening and a very warm welcome to the second in my series of gresham rhetoric lectures on how Shakespeare was shaped by his inheritance from classical antiquity from ancient Greece and Rome so lecture to Shakespeare's heroes let me begin with a rare original account of the death of a hero on the Elizabethan stage how would it have joy br... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ Shakespeare's portrayal of heroes is shaped by the classical conventions of immortalizing heroic deeds through plays.
• 😒 The use of rhetoric and the technique of divination from the classical past influence Shakespeare's characters' behaviors and decision-making processes.
• ❓ Hamlet's struggle with heroism reflects Shakespeare's questioning of traditional heroic ideals and emphasizes the importance of individualism and conscience.
• 🍝 Shakespeare's characters often compare themselves to exemplars from the past, using illustrative parallels to define their own identity.
• 💦 The success of plays like "Henry the Sixth Part One" on the Elizabethan stage, including the portrayal of heroes, influenced Shakespeare's future works.
• 🫱 Shakespeare's attitude towards heroism is complex, as he explores the human cost of war and the moral implications of heroic actions.
• 🤗 The theater becomes a space for open debate about both public goods and private lives, allowing Shakespeare to challenge and question societal norms through his plays.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the death of Sir John Talbot impact the portrayal of heroes on the Elizabethan stage?

The death scene of Sir John Talbot, a heroic figure, was so powerful that spectators imagined the actor playing him to be the valiant warrior himself, resulting in a metaphorical embalming of his body.

Q: Who was responsible for the majority of the play "Henry the Sixth Part One" and what influence did it have on Shakespeare's work?

Scholars believe that the majority of "Henry the Sixth Part One" was written by Thomas Nashe, with Shakespeare contributing Act Four, including the iconic death scene of Sir John Talbot. This play's success and representation of heroism played a role in shaping Shakespeare's future works.

Q: How does Shakespeare's use of rhetorical techniques, like illustrative parallels, shape his characters' self-perception?

Shakespeare's characters often compare themselves to exemplars from the past, using illustrative parallels to define their own identity. This personalized rhetoric allows them to grapple with their role in society and their moral choices.

Q: How does Hamlet's struggle with heroism reflect Shakespeare's attitude towards heroic ideals?

Through Hamlet's introspection and hesitation to embrace heroic actions, Shakespeare questions the traditional ideals of heroism. Ultimately, Hamlet rejects the heroic path and puts more emphasis on individualism and conscience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Shakespeare's portrayal of heroes, such as Sir John Talbot, is influenced by classical conventions of immortalizing heroic deeds through plays.

• The use of rhetoric, specifically the technique of divination from the classical past, shapes Shakespeare's characters' behaviors and decision-making processes.

• Hamlet, in particular, struggles with the conflicting influences of classical heroism and Christian beliefs, leading to his personal reflection on the nature of revenge.