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Kenneth Burke on Shakespeare: A Literary Tour de Force

E.M. Forster

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Kenneth Burke, the renowned literary critic and philosopher, has dedicated a significant portion of his scholarly work to examining the works of William Shakespeare. His analysis offers profound insights into the Bard's timeless plays and reveals their enduring relevance in contemporary society.

Burke's Symbolic Approach

Burke employs a symbolic approach in his literary criticism, focusing on the use of symbols, metaphors, and other linguistic devices to convey meaning. He argues that literature is not merely a reproduction of reality but rather a symbolic representation of human experience. In Shakespeare's plays, Burke sees a profound understanding of the human condition and the complexities of human motivation.

Exploring the Pentad

Central to Burke's analysis of Shakespeare is his "pentad," a five-part framework that examines the key elements of any literary work: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose. By applying the pentad to Shakespeare's plays, Burke uncovers the underlying structures and relationships that drive the plot, characters, and themes.

Kenneth Burke on Shakespeare

by Kenneth Burke

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	478 pages

Act: The specific actions and events that occur within the play.

Scene: The setting and context in which the actions take place.

Agent: The characters who perform the actions and pursue their own goals.

Agency: The means by which the characters achieve their goals.

Purpose: The underlying motives and intentions behind the actions.

Shakespeare's Insights into Human Nature

Through his analysis of Shakespeare's characters and their actions, Burke highlights the playwright's keen understanding of human nature. Shakespeare's characters are not mere archetypes but complex individuals with their own desires, fears, and motivations. Burke argues that Shakespeare's plays explore the universal themes of love, ambition, guilt, and redemption, delving into the depths of the human psyche.

The Power of Language

Burke also emphasizes the importance of language in Shakespeare's plays. He sees Shakespeare's use of words as a powerful tool for conveying meaning and creating dramatic effect. Through the characters' speeches, soliloquies, and dialogues, Shakespeare explores the transformative power of language and its ability to shape our perceptions of reality.

The Relevance of Shakespeare Today

Despite being written over four centuries ago, Burke argues that Shakespeare's plays remain highly relevant to contemporary society. The themes he explores are universal and timeless, speaking to the human condition in all its complexity. Burke believes that by studying Shakespeare's works, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Kenneth Burke On Shakespeare: A Must-Read

"Kenneth Burke on Shakespeare" is a seminal work in literary criticism, offering a profound and insightful analysis of the Bard's plays. Burke's symbolic approach and exploration of human nature provide a unique lens through which to appreciate Shakespeare's genius. The book is essential reading for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's work.

Key Takeaways

Kenneth Burke's symbolic approach offers a unique perspective on Shakespeare's plays.
Burke's "pentad" framework provides a structured analysis of the key elements in Shakespeare's works.
Shakespeare's characters are complex and relatable, exploring universal themes of human nature.
The language in Shakespeare's plays is a powerful tool for conveying meaning and creating dramatic effect.
Shakespeare's plays remain relevant today, offering insights into the human condition and contemporary society.

Kenneth Burke on Shakespeare

by Kenneth Burke

4.6 out of 5