Shakespeare and Creative Criticism

This volume explores how creative modes of writing can facilitate or inform new ways to critically engage with Shakespeare, demonstrating the enduring creative and critical appeal of his work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2019
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This volume explores the potential of creative modes of writing to facilitate or inform new ways of critically engaging with Shakespeare. Through a collection of essays, reflections, stories, and scenes, creative writing serves as a vehicle for exploring and articulating critical and theoretical ideas. By doing so, Shakespeare's enduring creative and critical appeal is re-examined and critiqued in fresh and innovative ways.

Creative writing offers a unique approach to critical engagement with Shakespeare by allowing writers to experiment with form, language, and narrative structure. It encourages writers to think beyond traditional academic approaches and to consider the broader cultural and historical contexts in which Shakespeare's works were produced. Through creative writing, writers can explore new perspectives and interpretations of Shakespeare's plays, challenging established notions and uncovering hidden meanings and themes.

One of the key insights that creative writing can provide is a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's use of language and rhetoric. Creative writers can use their own language and style to replicate the vividness and complexity of Shakespeare's language, allowing readers to experience the power and beauty of his words in a new way. This can help readers to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of Shakespeare's writing and to gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities of his characters and plots.

Another insight that creative writing can provide is a broader understanding of Shakespeare's social and political commentary. Shakespeare's plays are often filled with complex and nuanced characters who represent different social and political ideologies and perspectives. Creative writers can use their own characters and narratives to explore these themes and to comment on contemporary social and political issues. This can help readers to connect with Shakespeare's plays on a personal level and to gain a new understanding of their relevance and importance in modern society.

In addition to these insights, creative writing can also provide a new way of thinking about the audience and reception of Shakespeare's plays. Creative writers can experiment with different forms and genres, such as poetry, drama, and fiction, to explore the ways in which Shakespeare's works have been interpreted and received by different audiences over time. This can help readers to gain a new appreciation for the adaptability and resilience of Shakespeare's plays and to understand the ways in which they have continued to resonate with audiences across different cultures and generations.

Overall, this volume demonstrates the potential of creative modes of writing to facilitate or inform new ways of critically engaging with Shakespeare. Through a collection of essays, reflections, stories, and scenes, creative writing serves as a vehicle for exploring and articulating critical and theoretical ideas. By doing so, Shakespeare's enduring creative and critical appeal is re-examined and critiqued in fresh and innovative ways, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of his works and their relevance to modern society.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 204 x 130 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789202502