Exploring Disability in the Works of William Shakespeare
Introduction
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| William Shakespeare |
First critical approach:
One of the first critical approaches to disability in Shakespeare's works emerged in the late 20th century. Scholars began to analyze how disability was depicted and interpreted within the context of early modern England. They examined how Shakespeare's characters with disabilities were presented, whether they were depicted sympathetically or as objects of ridicule, and how disability intersected with other social identities such as gender and class.
The first few critics who explored the intersection of disability studies and William Shakespeare's works are:
David T. Mitchell and Sharon L. Snyder: Mitchell and Snyder are considered pioneers in the field of disability studies. Their book "Narrative Prosthesis: Disability and the Dependencies of Discourse" (1998) discusses disability in literature, including Shakespeare's works. They analyze how disability is used as a narrative device and the social implications of such portrayals.
Ann J. Cvetkovich: Cvetkovich's book "Mixed Feelings: Feminism, Mass Culture, and Victorian Sensationalism" (1992) examines disability and its representation in various contexts, including literature. She discusses how disability is depicted in Shakespeare's plays and the cultural significance of those representations.
Len Barton and David Oliver: Barton and Oliver, in their book "Disability Studies: Past, Present and Future" (1997), discuss the emergence of disability studies as a field of inquiry. While they focus on broader aspects of disability studies, they touch upon Shakespearean literature and the portrayal of disability in early modern England.
These scholars and their works have laid the foundation for the exploration of disability studies within the context of Shakespeare's works. Subsequent scholars have built upon their research to further investigate and analyze disability in Shakespearean plays.
In-depth study of a few characters:
In many of Shakespeare's plays, disability is portrayed in various ways. Characters such as Richard III, who has a physical deformity, and Gloucester, who is blind, are often viewed as villains or objects of ridicule. However, in other plays, such as The Tempest, disability is presented in a more positive light. The character of Caliban, who is often portrayed as disabled or disfigured, is presented as a sympathetic figure who is mistreated by the other characters.
One character that has received considerable attention in disability studies is Richard III. Richard, with his physical deformity, has often been seen as a representation of disability in Shakespeare's plays. Scholars have explored how his physical appearance affects his psychological state and his pursuit of power. Additionally, they have analyzed how his disability is used to highlight the themes of appearance versus reality and the nature of evil.
Another character of interest is Caliban from "The Tempest." Caliban is depicted as a disabled character, often associated with monstrosity due to his physical appearance. Disability studies scholars have examined how Caliban's disability intersects with his colonial and racial identity, as well as how his treatment by the other characters reflects broader themes of oppression and power imbalances.
Othello also presents opportunities for disability studies analysis. While not explicitly disabled, Othello is often portrayed as an outsider due to his racial identity. Disability studies scholars have explored the ways in which Othello's experiences of otherness and marginalization can be understood through a disability lens, highlighting the intersections of race and disability in Shakespeare's plays.
Unlocking Disability Studies in Shakespearean Plays:
Shakespeare's portrayal of disability raises important questions about how society views people with disabilities. In many cases, disability is seen as a weakness or something to be ashamed of. However, Shakespeare's work challenges these stereotypes and presents disability as a part of the human experience. By exploring disability in his plays, Shakespeare encourages us to see people with disabilities as complex individuals with their own unique experiences and perspectives.
Furthermore, Shakespeare's portrayal of disability highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Many of his characters with disabilities face significant barriers to participation in society, such as Richard III's inability to participate in physical activities or Gloucester's inability to navigate the world around him. By depicting these barriers, Shakespeare reminds us of the need to create a more accessible and inclusive society.
Conclusion
Shakespeare's work offers a fascinating study of disability, it's challenges on stereotypes. Additionally, his work highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion in creating a more just and equitable society. Scholars have explored the portrayal of disability in characters like Richard III, Caliban, and Othello, examining how their disabilities intersect with other social identities and themes within the plays. This approach provides new insights into Shakespeare's exploration of power dynamics, otherness, and societal perceptions of disability during the early modern period.
References
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