Shakespeare, Popularity and the Public Sphere

During the late Elizabethan era, political appeals to the people were seen as dangerously democratic and seditious. Shakespeare's plays, from Richard II to Coriolanus, emphasized the tactics of popularity and the wider public they addressed, as a separate entity that scrutinized rulers. These plays provide insight into the public relations strategies that have defined modern political culture.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 218 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
\n

In the late Elizabethan era of England, political appeals to the people were deemed perilously democratic and even seditious. The notion prevailed that the commons, representing the common people, lacked both a political voice and the ability to exercise their will. However, despite the rarity of such appeals, they occurred frequently enough for the regime to coin the term "popularity" to denounce the pursuit of public favor.

Jeffrey S. Doty contends in his book that Shakespeare, in his plays ranging from Richard II to Coriolanus, made the tactics of popularity and the broader public they addressed central to politics. Shakespeare portrayed the public as a distinct entity, separate from the royal court, akin to the spectators at the Globe who scrutinized the fictional princes on its thrust stage. Rather than perceiving the public as an extension of the royal court, Shakespeare recognized the public as a force that subjected rulers to relentless scrutiny, much like the audience surrounding the fictional princes.

For ordinary playgoers, Shakespeare's plays served as valuable platforms for gaining insights into the mechanisms and objectives of popularity. These plays continue to provide valuable perspectives on the public relations strategies that have come to shape modern political culture. Shakespeare's portrayal of the public as a critical and scrutinizing force challenged the traditional notion of the monarch as the sole arbiter of public opinion. His works emphasized the importance of engaging with and appealing to the public, recognizing their power to influence political outcomes.

Furthermore, Shakespeare's plays explored the complex dynamics of popularity and its effects on individuals and society. Characters such as Richard II, who sought to gain and maintain popularity through Machiavellian tactics, and Coriolanus, who resisted the allure of popularity and ultimately paid a tragic price, provided vivid examples of the consequences of pursuing and losing public favor. These characters demonstrated the ethical dilemmas and moral complexities associated with popularity, highlighting the need for individuals to navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion with caution and integrity.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's plays played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of late Elizabethan England. Through his portrayal of the public as a distinct entity and his exploration of the tactics of popularity, Shakespeare challenged the dominant notions of power and authority. His works continue to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of public opinion, political communication, and the ethical considerations involved in seeking and maintaining public favor. As we navigate the complex world of modern politics, Shakespeare's plays serve as a reminder of the importance of engaging with the public, understanding their perspectives, and striving for a more democratic and inclusive political discourse.

\n Weight: 328g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781316615164\n \n