Shakespeare's Resources

Shakespeare's Resources revisits and challenges Geoffrey Bullough's The Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare, proposing a dynamic process of text interaction and meaning generation that reinterprets intertextuality. It investigates Shakespeare's reading practices, the practical conditions of narratives, and his re-deployment of earlier versions in his later work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Shakespeare's Resources: Revisiting and Challenging the Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare

Geoffrey Bullough's influential work, The Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare (1957-75), established a valuable vocabulary and methodology for linking Shakespeare's plays to various texts believed to have influenced them. However, Shakespeares Resources takes a fresh approach and challenges the prevailing methodology. It proposes a series of radical departures from Bullough's model, reconceptualizing the traditionally accepted linear model of "source and influence" as a dynamic process in which texts interact and generate meanings that traditional interpretations of intertextuality fail to capture.

The investigation in Shakespeares Resources delves into critical questions such as how Shakespeare approached his sources, the specific texts he read, the practical conditions under which narratives were encountered, and how he re-deployed earlier versions in his later works. By exploring these aspects, the book offers a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's creative process and sheds light on the complex web of influences that shaped his plays.

One of the key contributions of Shakespeares Resources is its reconception of the "source" as a living and dynamic entity rather than a fixed and static object. The book argues that Shakespeare's plays were not merely influenced by individual texts but were also shaped by the broader cultural, historical, and social contexts in which they were produced. It emphasizes the importance of considering the social, political, and intellectual milieu of Elizabethan England in understanding Shakespeare's works.

Furthermore, Shakespeares Resources challenges the notion that Shakespeare's plays were solely influenced by classical literature. The book argues that Shakespeare drew on a wide range of sources, including popular literature, folktales, and even non-literary sources such as visual art and music. It explores the ways in which Shakespeare incorporated these diverse influences into his plays, creating a rich and complex tapestry of intertextuality that extends beyond traditional literary boundaries.

The investigation also sheds light on the practical conditions in which narratives were encountered during Shakespeare's time. It examines the role of storytelling, performance, and audience engagement in shaping the reception and interpretation of Shakespeare's plays. By exploring the social and cultural contexts in which narratives were transmitted and consumed, the book offers a new perspective on the ways in which Shakespeare's plays were received and understood by his audiences.

In conclusion, Shakespeares Resources is a groundbreaking work that challenges the traditional methodologies and interpretations of Shakespeare's sources. It offers a fresh and dynamic perspective on the complex web of influences that shaped his plays, reconceptualizing the "source" as a living and dynamic entity and exploring the broader cultural, historical, and social contexts in which they were produced. By interrogating the practical conditions in which narratives were encountered and re-deploying earlier versions in his later work, the book provides a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's creative process and sheds light on the enduring relevance of his works to contemporary audiences.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526157867