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Critical Overview of Unrealistic Elements in William Shakespeare's Plays

Shakespeare's verbal imagination was also his dramatic imagination.

Inga-Stina Ewbank (1932 - )
British academic and critic.
Shakespeare and the Arts of Language,
"Companion to Shakespeare Studies"

Introduction

William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated playwrights in history. His plays are known for their poetic language, complex characters, and themes that explore the human condition. However, some critics have pointed out that his works contain elements that are unrealistic, if not absurd, and often defy the laws of physics, logic, and reality. We will here concentrate our argument on the unrealistic elements in Shakespeare's plays and discuss the criticism surrounding them.

Supernatural Elements

William Shakespeare

Many of Shakespeare's plays contain supernatural elements, such as witches, ghosts, and fairies. These elements are often used to advance the plot or add an element of mystery or fantasy to the story. However, they have also been criticized for being unrealistic and distracting from the main themes of the play. For example, in "Macbeth," the witches prophesize that Macbeth will become king, which sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to his downfall. While this supernatural element adds to the tension and suspense of the play, it has been criticized for being unrealistic and relying too heavily on superstition.  it is important to note that these elements were often used to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the ghosts in "Hamlet" serve as a symbol of the protagonist's guilt and inner turmoil. Similarly, the witches in "Macbeth" represent the corrupting influence of power and ambition. Shakespeare's plays were not meant to be completely realistic representations of life. As he wrote in "The Tempest", "We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep." Shakespeare used theatrical techniques, such as soliloquies and asides, to break the fourth wall and engage directly with the audience. These techniques allowed him to convey complex emotions and ideas that would have been difficult to express through realistic dialogue alone.

Historical Accuracy

Shakespeare's historical plays, such as "Julius Caesar" and "Henry V," have been praised for their attention to historical detail and accuracy. However, they have also been criticized for taking liberties with the facts and portraying events and characters in a way that is not entirely accurate. For example, in "Julius Caesar," Shakespeare portrays Caesar's assassination as a heroic act of rebellion against a tyrant. In reality, Caesar was a popular leader who was assassinated by a group of senators who feared he was becoming too powerful. This historical inaccuracy has been criticized for distorting the true nature of the event and the characters involved.

Coincidences and Contrivances

Shakespeare's plays often rely on coincidences and contrivances to move the plot forward. For example, in "Romeo and Juliet," the timing of Romeo's arrival at the Capulet tomb is perfectly timed with Juliet's awakening from her coma. While these coincidences and contrivances may add to the drama and excitement of the play, they have been criticized for being unrealistic and relying too heavily on chance. In "Romeo and Juliet", the two lovers declare their love for each other after only knowing each other for a few hours. While this may seem unrealistic, it serves to highlight the intense passion and impulsivity of young love. Similarly, in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the fairies and magical elements serve to create a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the whimsical nature of love and the unpredictability of human emotions.

Criticism

The unrealistic elements in Shakespeare's plays have been the subject of much criticism over the years. Samuel Johnson, William Hazlitt, A C. Bradley, and Harold Goddard, Some other critics argue that these elements detract from the overall quality and impact of the plays, while others defend them as essential to the genre and style of Elizabethan drama. While the unrealistic elements in Shakespeare's plays may be criticized for their lack of realism and adherence to the laws of nature and history, they are also an integral part of the style and genre of Elizabethan drama. As Shakespeare himself wrote in "The Tempest," "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." Shakespeare's plays may not always be realistic, but they continue to captivate and inspire audiences with their timeless themes and poetic language.


Reference:

1. Bloom, Harold. Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books, 1999.

2. Paolucci, A. (1973). Shakespeare and the Genius of the Absurd. Comparative Drama, 7(3), 231–246. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41152616


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