Exploring the complexities of Shakespeare's textual heritage, this overview delves into the challenges editors face due to multiple versions of plays, the impact of historical performances, censorship, and the evolution of Shakespeare's works. It examines the editorial dilemma in creating definitive texts and the influence of performance history and censorship on the integrity and interpretation of these classic plays.
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Shakespeare's plays were not published by the playwright himself, resulting in the absence of definitive versions and challenges for modern editors
Unauthorized Versions and Printing Mistakes
The lack of copyright laws and fear of unauthorized copying during Shakespeare's time resulted in errors and inconsistencies in the texts we have today
Non-Standardized Spelling of the Era
The non-standardized spelling of the era adds to the challenges of establishing the "true" text of Shakespeare's works
Editors must meticulously collate and compare the various extant texts, making educated choices to correct and reconcile discrepancies
The existence of multiple versions of some texts, which may reflect Shakespeare's own revisions, complicates the editing process
Editors must decide whether to use an earlier version of a play or a later revision that may have been adjusted for performance
The practice of conflating texts to create a composite "Ur-text" has been largely abandoned due to concerns about misrepresenting Shakespeare's intentions
Shakespeare's plays were originally performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men at venues like the Globe Theatre and the Blackfriars Theatre, with actors such as Richard Burbage and William Kempe
After Shakespeare's death, the plays were subject to alterations during the Interregnum and the Restoration, which often changed their original character
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a movement towards productions that were more faithful to Shakespeare's original texts, influenced by directors like William Poel and Harley Granville-Barker
Censorship has historically affected the presentation and interpretation of Shakespeare's plays
When the theater resumed after the English Parliament's ban on theatrical performances, adaptations were made to align with the tastes and moral standards of the time
Ongoing debates about balancing the integrity of Shakespeare's works with contemporary values and legal requirements continue to present challenges in presenting his plays
00
Modern editors face challenges in determining the 'true' text of ______'s works.
Shakespeare
01
In Shakespeare's era, plays were rarely distributed in writing due to the lack of ______ laws.
copyright
02
The texts of Shakespeare's plays today may have errors from unauthorized copies and ______ mistakes.
printing
