Document Type
Article
Abstract
The enduring position of William Shakespeare as the greatest playwright in the English language stems in part from the classical world. This relationship with ancient Greek and Roman literature has sparked scholarly curiosity and conflict in the centuries after his death. The minimal details that are known about Shakespeare’s personal life and experiences make this topic a challenging one. This essay embarks on an exploration of Shakespeare’s engagement with classical themes, characters, and storytelling techniques, as well as the thematic resonances between ancient Greek plays and his own works. Through an examination of key characteristics and themes prevalent in ancient Greek and Roman drama, alongside an analysis of Shakespeare’s adaptations and transformations of these elements, this paper will cover the extent to which Shakespeare knew and used classical plays, myths, and stories to enhance his own work. By scrutinizing the influence of classical sources on Shakespeare’s dramatic imagination and evaluating the validity of claims regarding his classical education that have arisen from contemporary quotes about him, this research seeks to determine the links between Shakespeare and the classical world, ultimately determining the role classical influence played in the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of his works.
Publication Date
Spring 5-1-2024
Recommended Citation
Fritch, John, "Ancient Shakespeare: Examining Classical Influence Upon Shakespeare's Plays" (2024). University Honors College. 30.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/honorsp/30
Included in
Classical Archaeology and Art History Commons, Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons