Shakespeare, Love and Language

Shakespeare's work explores the nature of romantic love and erotic desire through close readings of his plays and poems, arguing that love is a form of action and disposition to be expressed and negotiated linguistically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Shakespeare's exploration of romantic love and erotic desire in his work is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. In this comprehensive study, David Schalkwyk delves into the historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and philosophical underpinnings of love, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of these profound human emotions. Through close readings of Shakespeare's plays and poems, coupled with the analysis of historical texts from Plato to Montaigne and contemporary writers such as Jacques Lacan, Jean-Luc Marion, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Jacques Derrida, Alain Badiou, and Stanley Cavell, Schalkwyk argues that Shakespeare does not possess a singular concept of love. Instead, love in his work emerges as a multifaceted form of action and disposition that can be expressed and negotiated linguistically.

The historical contexts in which Shakespeare wrote his plays and poems are crucial in understanding the nature of romantic love and erotic desire. The Renaissance period, characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and art, played a significant role in shaping Shakespeare's perspective on love. The works of Plato, particularly his Symposium and Phaedrus, provided a philosophical framework for understanding the nature of love as a union of the soul and the body. Similarly, the writings of Montaigne, who explored the complexities of human relationships and the role of love in shaping individuals, influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of love as a multifaceted and ever-changing emotion.

The theoretical frameworks employed by Shakespeare in his exploration of love are diverse and multifaceted. He drew upon various philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Platonism, and Aristotelianism, to develop his understanding of love. For instance, Stoicism emphasized the importance of self-control and rationality in love, while Platonism posited the idea of a transcendent ideal of love that transcends the physical world. Aristotelianism, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of harmony and balance in relationships.

Shakespeare's portrayal of romantic love and erotic desire is characterized by its complexity and ambiguity. He often blurred the lines between love and lust, blurring the boundaries between the emotional and the physical aspects of love. His characters, such as Romeo and Juliet, who are driven by intense passion and desire, exemplify this blurring of boundaries. Shakespeare also explored the darker aspects of love, such as jealousy, possessiveness, and betrayal, which can lead to tragic consequences.

One of the key themes in Shakespeare's work is the idea that love is not an emotion, but a form of action and disposition. Schalkwyk argues that love in Shakespeare's work is not an innate or inherent quality, but rather a skill that can be developed and honed through language and communication. Love is expressed and negotiated through the use of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices, allowing characters to express their emotions and desires in nuanced and complex ways.

Another important aspect of Shakespeare's exploration of love is the role of language in shaping our understanding of love. Language is a powerful tool that can convey emotions and ideas in ways that are both literal and figurative. Shakespeare's use of language is masterful, allowing him to create vivid and evocative images that capture the essence of love and desire.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's exploration of romantic love and erotic desire in his work is a rich and complex endeavor that requires careful analysis and interpretation. Through his close readings of Shakespeare's plays and poems, coupled with the analysis of historical texts, theoretical frameworks, and philosophical underpinnings of love, Schalkwyk provides a nuanced understanding of these profound human emotions. He argues that Shakespeare does not possess a singular concept of love, but rather a multifaceted form of action and disposition that can be expressed and negotiated linguistically. The historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, and philosophical underpinnings of love in Shakespeare's work are crucial in understanding the nature of these profound human emotions. By exploring the complexities and ambiguities of love, Shakespeare's work continues to resonate with audiences today, offering insights into the nature of love, desire, and the human condition.

ISBN-13: 9781316637951