Shakespeare's London and Ancient Rome - Professor Sir Jonathan Bate

TL;DR

Shakespeare's residency in London and engagement with rhetoric shaped his plays, drawing from classical literature for rich storytelling.

Transcript

well thank you Valerie and it is indeed a great honor to be agression professor of rhetoric looking down at lists of my predecessors numbered among them are William Empson one of the greatest literary critics and readers of Shakespeare of the 20th century Neville Coghill who famously directed a wonderful production of the tempest in the gardens of ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 Shakespeare's residency in Bishopsgate influenced his relocation to Bankside for proximity to his acting company.
• ⏯️ Gresham's College's emphasis on rhetoric connected with Shakespeare's use of classical examples in his plays.
• 💦 Shakespeare demonstrated a mastery of rhetoric through nuanced comparisons and thematic depth in his works.
• 😚 Satirical elements in Shakespeare's plays like Love's Labour's Lost critique pedantic verbosity in rhetoric.
• 🖐️ The influence of classical literature on Shakespeare's storytelling reflects a blend of historical depth and innovative narrative techniques in his plays.
• ⏯️ Gresham's lectures on rhetoric likely shaped Shakespeare's understanding and use of rhetorical techniques in his plays.
• 💟 Shakespeare's plays showcase a range of rhetorical styles, from formal orations to witty banter, reflecting his nuanced understanding of the art of persuasion.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Shakespeare's residency in Bishopsgate impact his playwriting?

Shakespeare's time in Bishopsgate influenced his move to Bankside and inspired plays infused with historical and rhetorical elements from Gresham's lectures.

Q: How did Shakespeare incorporate classical examples in his works?

Shakespeare masterfully utilized rhetoric, drawing on classical examples to enhance the storytelling and thematic depth of his plays, showcasing nuanced comparisons and contrasts.

Q: Why was Gresham's College significant for Shakespeare's literary development?

Gresham's College provided a platform for a rhetoric professor, aligning with Shakespeare's use of rhetorical techniques and classical examples in his plays to create compelling narratives.

Q: How did Shakespeare satire pedantic rhetoric in his plays?

Shakespeare parodied the verbosity of classical rhetoric through characters like Holofernes and Don Armado, showcasing a blend of humor and critique of overwrought rhetoric in Love's Labour's Lost.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Shakespeare's residency in the parish of st. Helen's Bishopsgate influenced his relocation to Bankside and writing prolific plays.

• Gresham's College hosted a rhetoric professor, aligning with Shakespeare's use of classical examples in his works.

• Shakespeare's plays demonstrate his mastery of rhetoric, blending classical influences with innovative storytelling.