"Shakespeare's Politics" was the name of one of my more fascinating college courses -- an independent study with the Ven. Dr. Harry V. Jaffa that combed the deep political wisdom of the Shakespearian cannon. Not that Shakespeare was an explicitly political writer (though there's much interesting in analyzing his plays in light of contemporary Elizabethan/Jacobian politics; we ignored that), but that the insight into the human condition that made his plays so rich can't help but speak volumes about our political nature. Especially (but not exclusively) when he's tackling the great figures of Roman and British history.
And that got me thinking...
It's stuck me for some time that the current presidential race has a certain Shakespearian quality to it; if anything, it certainly has its fair share of potentially tragic heroes. There's McCain's Coriolanus-like "Straight Talk"; his ancient and noble warrior's disdain for the degree of pandering necessary (and appropriately so) in any democratic society. (Full disclosure: This is hyperbole -- I like McCain.)
Fred Thompson: The honorable Brutus-like senator poked and prodded into assuming a higher political role, only to be undone by his lack of ambition.
Ron Paul: Any number of crazy-like-a-fox fools.
Bill Clinton: Ever toeing that fine line between Prince Hal and King Lear.
Barack Obama: Come on, you were thinking the same thing.
But in all seriousness, it remains to be seen: MacDuff? Or Banquo?
As I see it, the only candidate Shakespeare wouldn't have any interest in is Mitt Romney. But I'm open to being proven wrong. Anyone?
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6 comments:
All too right on Romney, John. Simple deductive logic:
1. No one of intelligence is interested in Romney.
2. Shakespeare was intelligent.
Ergo:
3. Shakespeare would have no interest in Romney.
Though if we must assign him a role, given his ability to wear many hats, might I suggest Viola?
Romney is Count Paris from "R&J"-- the rich, handsome one about to be blown off for someone more dangerous but exciting.
Well said. Though I'm not sure I like what that portends for McCain and the Republicans.
Clearly Romney is Shylock from the Merchant of Venice. Wealthy, changes his mind on vital issues, mistrusted and ostracized for his religion. And ultimately undone by his foes.
Romney as Shylock? Is that how Huckabee lost that pound of flesh?
Bush as Henry V?
http://www.poppolitics.com/archives/2003/05/George-W-as-Henry-V
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