Folk-lore of Shakespeare Book Summary

Introduction

Step into the world of William Shakespeare, but beware – the man behind the immortal plays might be more shadow than substance. This book, "The Folk-Lore of Shakespeare," embarks on a journey not through the well-documented facts of his life, but through the rich tapestry of stories, legends, and popular beliefs that have surrounded him since his death. It delves into the folklore that shaped perceptions of the Bard and continues to influence our view of him centuries later.

What is this book about?

"The Folk-Lore of Shakespeare" by Edward Dowden (published in 1886) is a scholarly exploration of the myths, popular traditions, and legendary tales associated with William Shakespeare's life and work. Unlike traditional biographies relying heavily on historical records, Dowden focuses on the stories that circulated during Shakespeare's time and after, examining their origins and significance. He investigates common beliefs about Shakespeare's appearance, personality, habits, travels, and even his death, treating these folktales as a crucial layer of understanding the cultural impact and enduring mystique of the playwright. The book essentially maps the 'Shakespeare' created by popular imagination, separate yet deeply intertwined with the historical figure.

Key Lessons

This book teaches us that historical figures are often more complex and layered than just documented facts. It demonstrates how folklore and legend can profoundly shape our understanding and perception of people, even geniuses like Shakespeare. Here are some key insights:

1. Folklore as Biography's Shadow: Dowden argues that the stories and popular beliefs surrounding Shakespeare are not mere curiosities but form a 'folk-lore' that is integral to his cultural identity. He meticulously collects these tales – from the belief that Shakespeare was ugly to the assertion that he was a secret Catholic – showing how these legends, however untrue, became part of the collective consciousness. It highlights that we often construct 'folklore' for historical figures, just as we do for mythical beings.

2. Exploring the 'Why': Why these stories persist? The book doesn't just collect folklore; it analyzes why certain tales gained currency. Dowden explores the context in which these stories emerged – the political climate of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, the changing religious landscape, the rise of print culture. He suggests that these elements influenced which aspects of Shakespeare's life people felt compelled to explain or embellish, revealing much about the anxieties and interests of the society that revered him. For example, tales of his travels often reflected a desire to explain the breadth of his knowledge.

3. Folklore's Dual Nature: Truth and Myth: Dowden carefully distinguishes between the folklore he collects and the historical evidence. He aims to understand the folklore on its own terms – its appeal, its function within popular culture – without necessarily endorsing its factual accuracy. This approach teaches us to critically evaluate the difference between established history and enduring myth, recognizing that folklore often serves cultural or psychological needs rather than strict factual reporting. It's about understanding the 'why' behind the legend.

4. Shakespeare's Enduring Mystery: By focusing on the folklore, Dowden inadvertently underscores the limits of our knowledge about Shakespeare. Despite centuries of study, the core mystery of the man remains. The book suggests that the very persistence of folklore might indicate that the historical record is insufficient to fully satisfy our curiosity or imagination about the creator of our greatest literary heritage.

Is this book fit for me?

If you are interested in:

• The cultural and historical context surrounding Shakespeare's life and reputation.
• The intersection of biography, folklore, and popular culture.
• Understanding how legends shape our perception of historical figures.
• Shakespearean studies that go beyond the plays and poems into the 'aura' surrounding the author.
• The history of ideas about Shakespeare from the 16th to the 19th century.

This book is for you. It is a foundational text for those interested in Shakespeare's reception history. While written in the style of the late 19th century, its collection and analysis of Shakespearean folklore remain valuable resources.

Does it still matter today?

Yes, absolutely. "The Folk-Lore of Shakespeare" remains highly relevant today. Our fascination with Shakespeare persists, and so does the creation of 'folklore' around him. Modern discussions about his sexuality, religious views, or even his exact birthplace echo the older, more fantastical elements Dowden analyzed. The book provides crucial historical context for understanding how interpretations of Shakespeare have evolved. It helps us see that many modern 'facts' or popular theories about him might owe as much to contemporary cultural trends and wishful thinking as to solid historical evidence. Understanding this folklore helps us approach Shakespeare with a more critical eye and appreciate the complex ways his legacy is constructed over time.

Conclusion

Edward Dowden's "The Folk-Lore of Shakespeare" offers a fascinating detour from conventional biography. By focusing on the legends, myths, and popular beliefs swirling around the Bard, it provides a unique lens through which to view his enduring legacy. It reveals the 'Shakespeare' of the people's imagination, exploring how folklore shaped and continues to shape our understanding of this literary giant. While perhaps dated in its academic language, its insights into the cultural currents influencing Shakespearean interpretation remain profoundly valuable for anyone truly wanting to grasp the full, complex picture of the man and the myth. Tags : Culture/Civilization/Society History - General Literature