Shakespeare's Influence and Works
Concept Map
Exploring Shakespeare's contributions to 'Sir Thomas More' and the staging of his plays, including 'Measure for Measure', 'Othello', 'All's Well That Ends Well', and 'King Lear'. These works reflect the socio-political climate of the early 17th century and showcase the bard's talent for integrating contemporary issues into his dramas. The text also delves into the censorship and revisions that shaped the performance history of these Elizabethan plays.
Summary
Outline
Shakespeare's Hand in "Sir Thomas More"
William Shakespeare's contribution to the play "Sir Thomas More" is recognized by scholars, with evidence of his handiwork appearing in a section of the manuscript revised by several playwrights. This collaborative Elizabethan drama, primarily penned by Anthony Munday, also received contributions from Henry Chettle, Thomas Dekker, and Thomas Heywood. Shakespeare's involvement, attributed to the hand known as Hand D, is supported by paleographic analysis comparing the handwriting to Shakespeare's known signatures. The play's scholarly editions, including those by Manchester University Press and the Arden Shakespeare series, provide comprehensive insights into the collaborative nature of the text, the censorship it underwent by Master of the Revels Edmund Tilney, and the subsequent revisions by the collective of playwrights, solidifying Shakespeare's role in its creation.The Staging and Suppression of "Sir Thomas More"
"Sir Thomas More" faced challenges in its performance history, likely due to censorship, and may not have been staged during Shakespeare's era. The play's first known performance occurred in 1922 at Birkbeck, University of London. Written by Munday and Chettle between 1592 and 1595, the play's depiction of the "Evil May Day" riots and the merciful response by Henry VIII could have been seen as politically sensitive against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth's reign, particularly given her harsher stance on similar disturbances. The play's performance was likely vetoed by the censor Tilney and remained unperformed until the more lenient Stuart period. The revisions, possibly made around 1603-1604, reflect the changing political landscape and align with the stylistic features of other contemporary works.Performances and Historical Context of "Measure for Measure" and "Othello"
Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" and "Othello" are products of the early 17th century, with performances at Whitehall Palace in 1604. "Measure for Measure," first recorded in the Revels Account and published in the First Folio of 1623, is dated to 1603-1604, drawing from allusions to King James I's policies and the London plague. "Othello," published in quarto form in 1622, is also dated to this period, with its narrative influenced by recent historical events such as the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. These plays reflect the socio-political climate of the time and showcase Shakespeare's ability to weave contemporary issues into his dramatic works.Chronology and Performances of "All's Well That Ends Well"
The composition of "All's Well That Ends Well" is debated, with scholarly consensus placing it between 1595 and 1607. Officially recorded in the Stationers' Register and published in the First Folio of 1623, the play's first performance is documented in 1741. Analysis of the text suggests a creation date around 1604-1605, inferred from stylistic elements and references to events such as the enforcement of the surplice. The play's thematic resonance with Shakespeare's other works from this period supports this timeframe, although the precise sequencing of his plays remains indeterminate.Textual Variations and Performances of "King Lear"
"King Lear" was entered into the Stationers' Register in 1607 and appeared in quarto in 1608, with a subsequent version in the First Folio of 1623. The two texts exhibit notable differences, with the quarto likely representing an earlier draft and the Folio reflecting revisions for performance. The play's premiere is recorded on December 26, 1606, at Whitehall. The textual variations between the quarto and Folio editions, including changes in dialogue and structure, indicate Shakespeare's ongoing refinement of the play to enhance its dramatic impact and character development for the stage.
Show More
Shakespeare's Hand in "Sir Thomas More"
Collaboration in "Sir Thomas More"
Shakespeare's involvement in "Sir Thomas More" is evidenced by his contributions to the play's manuscript, which was primarily written by Anthony Munday but also received input from other playwrights
Evidence of Shakespeare's Hand in "Sir Thomas More"
Paleographic Analysis
Shakespeare's involvement in "Sir Thomas More" is supported by paleographic analysis comparing the handwriting in the manuscript to his known signatures
Shakespeare's Role in the Creation of "Sir Thomas More"
Shakespeare's contributions to the revisions and censorship of "Sir Thomas More" solidify his role in the play's creation
The Staging and Suppression of "Sir Thomas More"
Challenges in Staging "Sir Thomas More"
Due to potential political sensitivity and censorship, "Sir Thomas More" may not have been performed during Shakespeare's era
First Known Performance of "Sir Thomas More"
The first recorded performance of "Sir Thomas More" occurred in 1922, long after Shakespeare's time
Reasons for Suppression of "Sir Thomas More"
The play's depiction of the "Evil May Day" riots and its merciful portrayal of Henry VIII may have led to its suppression during Queen Elizabeth's reign
Performances and Historical Context of "Measure for Measure" and "Othello"
Date and Location of Performances
"Measure for Measure" and "Othello" were both performed at Whitehall Palace in 1604
Contemporary Influences on "Measure for Measure"
"Measure for Measure" draws from allusions to King James I's policies and the London plague, reflecting the socio-political climate of the early 17th century
Historical Events Influencing "Othello"
"Othello" is influenced by recent historical events such as the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, showcasing Shakespeare's ability to incorporate contemporary issues into his plays
Chronology and Performances of "All's Well That Ends Well"
Debate over Composition Date
Scholars place the composition of "All's Well That Ends Well" between 1595 and 1607, with evidence suggesting a creation date around 1604-1605
First Recorded Performance
The first recorded performance of "All's Well That Ends Well" was in 1741, long after Shakespeare's time
Thematic Resonance with Other Works
The themes and stylistic elements of "All's Well That Ends Well" align with other plays from Shakespeare's early 17th century period
Shakespeare's Influence and Works
Learn with Algor Education flashcards
Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
Primary author of 'Sir Thomas More'
Anthony Munday penned the main text of 'Sir Thomas More'.
01
Role of Hand D in 'Sir Thomas More'
Hand D, identified as Shakespeare's, contributed to the manuscript's revision.
02
Censorship and revisions of 'Sir Thomas More'
Edmund Tilney, Master of the Revels, censored the play, leading to revisions by several playwrights.
