The classical roots of Shakespeare's supernatural and ghostly figures
In short: Discover how Shakespeare's most haunting spirits and magical elements were shaped by ancient Roman drama and classical mythology. This lecture traces the lineage of the supernatural from the stage of Seneca to the works of the Bard.
Sir Jonathan Bate explores the origins of Shakespearean ghosts, identifying their primary lineage in the bloody plays of the Roman playwright Seneca. By examining figures like the victims of Richard III and Julius Caesar, Bate reveals how these literary hauntings were inherited from classical traditions.
The lecture further connects supernatural powers to Shakespearean art through figures from classical mythology, such as Medea and Theseus. This analysis provides a framework for understanding how the Bard integrated ancient myths into his exploration of the uncanny.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Shakespeare's Ghosts and Spirits - Sir Jonathan Bate FBA CBE
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