Deep Wisdom From Shakespeare's Dramas [Hardcover]

Arjan Plaisier believes audiences who view Shakespeare performances and readers who study the plays deserve better than some of the recent interpretations of the Bard's work. In their attempt to be modern, these interpreters commit historical amnesia by slighting the Christian ethos of the early Renaissance period in which Shakespeare wrote and by riding roughshod over the religious underpinnings of his plays. This neglect skews the playwright's intentions, confuses the audience, and diminishes the full effect of the play. Plaisier, too, is modern--and in a more profound sense. He sets forth how Shakespeare shapes his plots to conform at an ultimate level to timeless biblical narrative patterns (like Northrop Frye, he regards the Bible as a code book ), so that there is a right ending to the work. And in an Appendix, Plaisier provides some kindly advice to his fellow pastors. You do well, he says to them, to enrich your noble calling with attention to literature. To do this, he says, you will find Shakespeare most helpful. Yes, and Plaisier's perceptive essays point to the deep wisdom in Shakespeare by which we can all live. Plaisier has found the richest Christian ore in Shakespeare and has dug it up for us all. Always wise and revealing, he sets the highest standard for work at the intersection of faith and literature. Steve Van der Weele's translation is marvelously readable. --Neal Plantinga, President of Calvin Theological Seminary, Emeritus In this time of directors' theater and modern dress extravaganzas, it is refreshing to find a literary critic who returns to the roots of Shakespeare's work. Arjan Plaisier finds strong theological undercurrents in seven of Shakespeare's greatest plays. Directors, actors, and teachers will profit from this skillful translation by Steve Van der Weele. He has, however, done everyone who loves Shakespeare's works a great favor. --Howard Slenk, Professor of Music, Calvin College, Emeritus It is a pleasure fl3,