Shakespeare in Bloomsbury

Shakespeare was a constant presence and a creative benchmark for the Bloomsbury Group, inspiring their novels, biographies, diaries, and correspondence. He haunted their imaginations and made his way into their lives and art, providing them with a common language, set of reference points, and a model for genius.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The untold story of Shakespeare's profound influence on Virginia Woolf and the rest of the Bloomsbury Group is a captivating tale of intellectual and artistic synergy. The members of this vibrant group, including Virginia and Leonard Woolf, Vanessa Bell, Clive Bell, Roger Fry, Duncan Grant, Lytton Strachey, John Maynard Keynes, and Lydia Lopokova Keynes, were deeply immersed in Shakespeare's works, both as creators and as avid readers. Shakespeare's influence extended beyond their intended publications, permeating their diaries, correspondence, and casual conversations. They would gather in the evenings to read his plays for sheer enjoyment, and on sunny summer afternoons, they would escape to the countryside to immerse themselves in his words. The theater became a sanctuary where they would discuss performances, analyze characters, and speculate about Shakespeare's enigmatic mind.

As poets, dramatists, models, and icons, Shakespeare haunted the imaginations of the Bloomsbury Group, leaving an indelible mark on their lives and art. In her book, Marjorie Garber delves into the role that Shakespeare played in the lives of this remarkable cast. Through intimate narratives and vivid portrayals, Garber reveals how Shakespeare provided them with a common language, a set of reference points, and a model for genius. She showcases how Shakespeare became an integral member of the Bloomsbury Group, offering a fresh perspective on his influence and impact.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Shakespeare's influence on the Bloomsbury Group is his ability to transcend boundaries. While his works were primarily written for a broader audience, they resonated deeply with the members of the group, who saw themselves as part of a literary and artistic movement. Shakespeare's plays provided them with a shared cultural heritage and a framework for understanding the complexities of human nature and society.

The Bloomsbury Group's fascination with Shakespeare extended beyond his literary prowess. They were drawn to his enigmatic personality, his complex characterizations, and his ability to convey profound emotions through his words. They studied his plays closely, analyzing his syntax, imagery, and themes to gain insights into their own creative processes. Shakespeare's influence can be seen in the works of many Bloomsbury Group members, from Virginia Woolf's novels to Clive Bell's poetry. His plays provided them with inspiration, motivation, and a sense of purpose, shaping their artistic endeavors and personal lives.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's profound influence on Virginia Woolf and the rest of the Bloomsbury Group is a testament to the power of literature to shape and inspire generations. Through his words, Shakespeare provided the Bloomsbury Group with a common language, a set of reference points, and a model for genius. He haunted their imaginations, shaping their lives and art in profound ways. Garber's book offers a captivating account of Shakespeare's role in the Bloomsbury Group, shedding light on the intellectual and artistic synergy that flourished within this vibrant community.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300267563