Shakespeare and Modern Culture

Garber's premises are twofold: 1. We have as much an effect on Shakespeare as he has on us & 2. Every Shakespeare play can be defined by one word or idea. 1. Garber puts much weight on Shakespeare's use of the rhetorical device the chiasmus ("Shakespeare makes modern culture and modern culture makes Shakespeare"). So much in fact, that she decided to litter her own critique with multiple...more

Garber's premises are twofold: 1. We have as much an effect on Shakespeare as he has on us & 2. Every Shakespeare play can be defined by one word or idea. 1. Garber puts much weight on Shakespeare's use of the rhetorical device the chiasmus ("Shakespeare makes modern culture and modern culture makes Shakespeare"). So much in fact, that she decided to litter her own critique with multiple usages of this figure of speech. I don't think Shakespeare would have been impressed, as Garber's use of the figure of speech was heavy handed and redundant and actually DETRACTED from her argument. I agree with her idea that our changing Shakespeare is a constant occurrence & loved her example of society's change in attitude towards the Tempest's Prospero during different generations. I apparently fit in well with my generation that considers Prospero to be a royal jerk. :-) However, 30 years ago, Prospero was idolized. 2. The thought that each Shakespeare work can be pared down to one word or idea is a chiasmus in itself. E.g. Romeo & Juliet = Immaturity. Ok, I'll give her that. However, I find that immaturity is a continuous theme throughout Shakespeare's works. Who wouldn't consider Hamlet to be an immature, spoiled brat? And Henry V as an example of modern leadership qualities? C'mon . . . give me a break. Garber does shine with her numerous examples of Shakespeare’s impact on modern culture. The cartoon from The New Yorker of a modern Romeo & Juliet texting had me laughing hysterically. It's just too bad they don't quite make up for the other shortcomings.   hide