In the works of William Shakespeare there is often times an air of mystery often equated to forces of occult powers. It is my belief that the mystery conveyed through his plays is not mere tricks to entice an audience. Rather his methods involved a comprehensive understanding not only of human nature, but also of forces of higher powers. These powers are often talked about in religious studies and would have been known to most as “God”. So for the purpose of this essay we will think of God as a force rather than a being, a total and comprehensive all pervasive weaving in the fabric of time. To the person uneducated in the occult powers, it is easy to see the outrageous pieces of his art as magic. Which is like the ultimate cop out, just throwing away its value and meaning to the wind.
To read Shakespeare is to feel Shakespeare, not some rational understanding. To read Shakespeare is to transport from the ephemeral material world to the eternal realm of spiritual eternity. The sense that this brings to mind is where the aesthetic pleasure of reading Shakespeare envelops the world. It is why we are still reading Shakespeare today and will continue to do so for quite some time. But to know time is to exist on a different plane than Shakespeare inhabited. For Shakespeare’s world was that of the eternal due to a super conscious understanding of the Divine. More than likely these forces were working through him because he had found a way to open himself up to the muses in order to become a muse himself. In other words we are mere fools in time and Shakespeare suffered greatly to give the world a piece of himself.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The God Within
- To Garner an Understanding of the Divine
- How This Created Shakespeare
- Perhaps Shakespeare Saw Himself Similar to His Character of Prospero in The Tempest
- I Am Led to Believe That Shakespeare Intended to Show How Leading a Spiritual Life Could Lead One Towards Divinity
- The Sacrifice Made by Prospero Would Have Been Unperceivable to the Naked Eye
- In Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well We Find a Somewhat Perplexing Happy Ending That Seems to Fulfill the Wishes of One Character in Particular
- From the Outset of the Play Helen Is Portrayed as a Character With an Enormous Heart and Devoted to Those That She Loves
- It May Seem at Times That Helen’s Supposed Love Towards Bertram Is Shallow or More Lustful
- In the End, Helen Will Have Earned Bertram’s Love Even If the Audience Could Question the Extent of His Love Towards Her
- How Clever Shakespeare Was to Let the Force of Love and Hate Pervade All of His Works
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the presence of divine forces in the works of William Shakespeare, arguing that his understanding of God was profound and influenced his writing. It suggests that Shakespeare's art was a manifestation of his connection to the divine, and his characters, like Prospero and Helen, exemplify the power of virtue and spiritual awareness.
- Shakespeare's understanding of divine forces and their influence on human nature.
- The role of virtue and sacrifice in achieving spiritual connection.
- The power of love and its manifestation in Shakespeare's characters.
- The importance of spiritual awareness and its impact on individual actions.
- The connection between creativity and the divine.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The God Within: This chapter introduces the central thesis that Shakespeare's works are imbued with a sense of mystery and divine forces, suggesting that his understanding of God went beyond conventional religious notions. It argues that Shakespeare's art was a product of his profound connection to the divine, which enabled him to transport his audience to the realm of spiritual eternity.
- To Garner an Understanding of the Divine: This chapter explores the idea that Shakespeare, as a creator, was deeply connected to the divine. It argues that Shakespeare's understanding of God stemmed from his own spiritual exploration and his commitment to virtuous living. It highlights the importance of philosophical knowledge and the intertwining of different disciplines in comprehending the divine.
- How This Created Shakespeare: This chapter emphasizes the importance of Shakespeare's openness to spiritual experiences and his pursuit of knowledge in shaping his artistry. It suggests that his knowledge of God was not confined to Catholicism, but encompassed other religious sects, particularly Lutheranism. It proposes that Shakespeare's artistic genius was a result of his profound love for God and his dedication to his craft.
- Perhaps Shakespeare Saw Himself Similar to His Character of Prospero in The Tempest: This chapter delves into the character of Prospero in The Tempest, arguing that he embodies the divine qualities that Shakespeare himself possessed. It suggests that Prospero's magical powers stem from his dedication to God's will and his sacrifice of worldly desires. The chapter emphasizes Shakespeare's understanding of life as a cycle of becoming and unbecoming, reflected in the play's tragic elements.
- I Am Led to Believe That Shakespeare Intended to Show How Leading a Spiritual Life Could Lead One Towards Divinity: This chapter examines Prospero's journey towards divinity through his spiritual discipline and withdrawal from worldly concerns. It suggests that Prospero's pursuit of knowledge, particularly of God, grants him magical powers. The chapter draws a parallel between Prospero's self-knowledge and his understanding of the world, suggesting that spiritual awakening is crucial for attaining truth.
- The Sacrifice Made by Prospero Would Have Been Unperceivable to the Naked Eye: This chapter explores the contrast between Prospero's hidden spiritual work and Caliban's perception of his powers. It argues that Prospero's magic is not solely reliant on books but stems from his profound commitment to the divine. The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual alignment and the role of conscience in understanding the divine.
- In Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well We Find a Somewhat Perplexing Happy Ending That Seems to Fulfill the Wishes of One Character in Particular: This chapter introduces the character of Helen in All's Well That Ends Well, a virtuous woman who, through her unwavering belief and determination, achieves a happy ending. It suggests that Helen's success is a result of her virtuous nature and her alignment with divine forces. The chapter explores the theme of love and its ability to guide individuals towards their destinies.
- From the Outset of the Play Helen Is Portrayed as a Character With an Enormous Heart and Devoted to Those That She Loves: This chapter examines Helen's character, highlighting her virtuous nature and her unwavering love. It suggests that Helen's love for Bertram is a divine force that guides her actions and leads her to a successful outcome. The chapter analyzes Helen's soliloquy, emphasizing the presence of a higher power that influences her actions and her unwavering faith in God's will.
- It May Seem at Times That Helen’s Supposed Love Towards Bertram Is Shallow or More Lustful: This chapter explores the complexities of love and its subjective nature. It argues that only the person in love can truly understand their feelings. It analyzes Helen's expressions of love, highlighting her sincerity and her commitment to earning Bertram's love. The chapter emphasizes Helen's virtue and her understanding of the challenges she faces in pursuing her love.
- In the End, Helen Will Have Earned Bertram’s Love Even If the Audience Could Question the Extent of His Love Towards Her: This chapter concludes the discussion of Helen's character, emphasizing the power of virtue and its ability to bring about positive outcomes. It suggests that Helen's unwavering love and her pursuit of virtuous actions are the key to her success. The chapter highlights the message that living virtuously can lead to good fortune, a message conveyed subtly by Shakespeare through his characters.
- How Clever Shakespeare Was to Let the Force of Love and Hate Pervade All of His Works: This concluding chapter emphasizes the pervasive nature of love and hate in Shakespeare's works. It suggests that these forces, in their interplay, represent the divine and the complexity of human existence. The chapter reiterates the importance of love in Shakespeare's art and its connection to the divine. It concludes with the idea that acknowledging and loving even the smallest aspect of the world is a form of love for God.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores the themes of divine forces, virtue, love, spiritual awareness, and creativity in the works of William Shakespeare. It examines the connections between these themes, highlighting the importance of spiritual connection, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge in achieving a fulfilling life. The essay delves into specific examples from Shakespeare's plays, including The Tempest and All's Well That Ends Well, to illustrate the power of divine forces and the role they play in shaping individual destinies.
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- Austin Gragg (Autor:in), 2015, The God Within. The Mystery of the Divine in Shakespeare's Plays, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/312850
