Welcome to the World of Shakespeare and the Classics!
Hi there! Today, we are going to explore how William Shakespeare—perhaps the most famous writer in history—didn't just pull his ideas out of thin air. Like a modern DJ remixing a classic song, Shakespeare took "old school" stories from Ancient Greece and Rome and turned them into something brand new for his audience. By understanding Classical Literature, you’ll unlock the secret codes Shakespeare hid in his plays!
1. What is "Classical Literature"?
When we talk about Classical Literature, we are referring to the stories, poems, and plays written by the Ancient Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago. In Shakespeare’s time (the Elizabethan era), being "well-educated" meant you knew these stories by heart.
Think of it like this: Imagine if every movie today made references to Star Wars or Marvel. If you haven’t seen those movies, you might miss the jokes or the deeper meaning. For Shakespeare's audience, Greek and Roman myths were their "Marvel Universe."
Key Takeaway:
Shakespeare used Classical Literature as a foundation to make his own stories feel more powerful and important.
2. Shakespeare’s Favorite "Cheat Sheets"
Shakespeare didn't have Google, but he did have a few favorite books that he used for inspiration. Don't worry if these names sound strange at first—you only need to know the basics!
A. Ovid’s "Metamorphoses"
This was Shakespeare’s favorite book. It is a collection of myths about transformation (people turning into animals, trees, or stars). If you see a character in Shakespeare talk about magic or changing shapes, he is likely thinking of Ovid.
B. Plutarch’s "Lives"
Plutarch wrote biographies of famous Greek and Roman leaders. When Shakespeare wrote plays like Julius Caesar or Antony and Cleopatra, he used Plutarch’s books almost like a history textbook to get the facts (and the gossip) right.
C. Seneca and Plautus
Seneca wrote "Blood and Guts" tragedies, and Plautus wrote "Silly Mistaken Identity" comedies. Shakespeare borrowed their structures—which is why his plays often have five acts!
Did you know? Shakespeare often copied entire plot points from these authors, but he added "humanity" and complex emotions that the original stories sometimes lacked.
3. Understanding Allusions
An allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, or literary significance. Shakespeare uses Classical Allusions constantly.
Example: In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo says, "Cynthia’s brow" instead of just saying "the moon."
Why? Because Cynthia (also known as Artemis) was the Roman goddess of the moon. Using her name makes the moon seem more poetic and powerful.
Common Allusions to Look For:
- Cupid: The god of desire. If a character mentions Cupid’s arrow, they are talking about falling in love (often against their will!).
- Hercules: Known for his incredible strength. If a character compares themselves to Hercules, they are either feeling very strong or very overwhelmed by a huge task.
- Venus: The goddess of love and beauty.
- The Fates: Three goddesses who controlled the "thread" of human life. If a character mentions "The Fates," they are talking about Destiny.
4. Tragedy and the "Classical Hero"
Shakespeare followed the rules of Tragedy set down by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. This is a very important part of your MYP Year 4 studies!
To be a "Classical" Tragic Hero, a character usually has these three things:
- High Status: They are kings, princes, or great generals (like Macbeth or Julius Caesar).
- Hamartia: This is a Tragic Flaw. It is a specific personality trait that leads to their downfall. For example, ambition or jealousy.
- Catastrophe: A final disastrous event where the hero loses everything, usually including their life.
Memory Aid: Think of the word FLAW.
F - Famous/High Status
L - Losing everything
A - Action caused by a mistake
W - Weakness (The Hamartia)
5. Why does this matter for your MYP Essays?
When you are writing about Shakespeare, don't just say what happens in the story. Teachers want to see you analyze why he uses these classical references.
Step-by-Step Analysis:
1. Identify: Find the classical name (like Pheobe or Mars).
2. Explain: What was that god/figure known for? (e.g., Mars is the god of war).
3. Connect: How does this help us understand the character? (e.g., By comparing the soldier to Mars, Shakespeare shows the audience how terrifying and brave he is in battle).
6. Quick Review & Common Mistakes
Quick Review Box:
- Classical = Ancient Greece and Rome.
- Allusion = A "shout-out" to an old story or god.
- Hamartia = The hero’s "fatal flaw."
- Ovid = The guy Shakespeare read for inspiration about magic and change.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don't ignore the names! If you see a name you don't recognize (like Hyperion or Niobe), look it up. It’s almost always a classical allusion that explains a character's feelings.
- Don't think it's just "old stuff." Shakespeare used these stories because they deal with universal human problems: love, jealousy, war, and death.
- Confusion between Greek and Roman: Shakespeare usually used the Roman names (like Jupiter) instead of Greek names (like Zeus) because the Romans were more popular in his time.
Key Takeaway:
Shakespeare was a "bridge" between the ancient world and the modern world. By using Classical Literature, he made his plays feel timeless and universal.
Don't worry if these names feel like a lot to memorize! The more you practice spotting them, the easier it becomes. You're doing great!