Summary:
This article delves into the collision and controversy between Shakespeare's works and the aesthetic concept of classicism, and the impact of this collision on later literary theories. This paper first analyzes the embodiment of personalized characters and rich imagination in Shakespeare's works, and the contrast with the aesthetic concept of classicism, revealing the precursor of romantic poetics. Secondly, this paper explores the tradition of classical criticism on the standardization of the structure of literary works and the rational aesthetic concept, as well as the enlightenment and influence of these concepts in later literary theories.
I. Introduction
William Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in the history of English literature and is also known as one of the most prominent writers in the history of world literature. His work spans a variety of literary forms, including drama, poetry, and prose, profoundly depicting the complexity of human nature and the diversity of society. Shakespeare's works have been widely translated into various languages, enjoying widespread influence and reputation across the globe.
The complexity of humanity and emotions expressed in Shakespeare's works is one of the timeless charms of his work. In his dramatic works, he created many profound characters, such as Hamlet, Jack Falstaff, Osiró, the merchants of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, etc., which left a profound impact on the history of literature and became indispensable classic images in later literary works.
Shakespeare's works are also deep reflections on human emotions and the destiny of life. His plays cover a wealth of themes such as love, power, betrayal, and ambition, and through the presentation of these themes, the complexity of human nature and social injustice are revealed. His delicate portrayal of human emotions and profound reflection on the fate of life make his works of eternal value and significance.
II. The Inheritance and Solidification of Classical Poetics
A. The inheritance and dogmatization of classicist poetics by French critics
In the process of inheriting and solidifying the poetics of classicism, French critics played an important role. While inheriting the tradition of classicism, they also dogmatized its theories, which had a profound impact on literary creation and criticism.
French critics such as Nicolas Boileau and Jean de La Bruyère systematized the norms and principles of classical poetics and passed them on to future generations through works such as Principles of Poetry. They emphasized the normativity and rigor of drama, advocated the creation of works according to classical norms, and offered criticisms of literary and artistic works such as Shakespeare.
This dogmatic classicist poetics limits the diversity and innovation of literary creation to a certain extent. The emphasis of the French critics on the rules led to the shackling of the creation of literary works, which lacked vitality and individuality. Their criticism of literary and artistic works such as Shakespeare is often limited to the degree of adherence to the rules, ignoring the deep thoughts and emotions expressed in the works.
B. The Influence of Classical Poetics in Western European Theatre Theory
Classical poetics has had a profound impact on Western European theatrical theory, especially in the evaluation and interpretation of Shakespeare's works. Classical poetics emphasizes the unity, logic, and standardization of drama, and puts forward specific requirements for the structure of the script, the creation of characters, and the use of language.
Western European theorists such as Pierre Corneille and Jean-Baptiste Poquelin were influenced by classical poetics and advocated the use of classical norms in dramatic creation, focusing on the rationality of the plot and the authenticity of the characters. Their evaluation of Shakespeare's works is often biased, believing that his works lack the normativity and logic of classical drama.
However, the influence of classicist poetics on Western European theatrical theory was not entirely negative. It promotes the standardization and perfection of dramatic forms and provides important theoretical support for the development of dramatic art. At the same time, the limitations of classical poetics have also inspired later critics to reflect on and challenge it, and promoted the diversification and development of drama theory.
III. Lymer's Criticism of Classicism
A. Laimer's evaluation of Shakespeare's works and their measurements
John Lemprière was an important British literary critic in the 18th century, and his evaluation and measurement of Shakespeare's works reflect the characteristics of classical criticism.
Reimer took a more conservative approach to Shakespeare's work, arguing that Shakespeare's plays lacked the unity and logic that classicism emphasized. In his view, Shakespeare's works tend to have loose plots, characters that are not rigorous enough, and language that is not precise enough, which is contrary to the norms and principles required in classical drama theory.
Laimer's criteria for judging Shakespeare's works mainly include plot structure, character building, and use of language. He believes that a successful drama should have a reasonable plot structure, the characters should be authentic and credible, and the language should accurately and vividly express the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Under these criteria, Leimer critiques and evaluates Shakespeare's works.
B. British Acceptance and Influence of Lemer's Views
Leimer's classicist criticism had a certain influence on the English literary world in the 18th century, especially the evaluation of Shakespeare's works, which had a certain guiding role in literary creation and criticism at that time.
Laimer's views were recognized and accepted by a section of English literary critics and playwrights. They believe that there is some truth in Leimer's criticism of Shakespeare's works, especially in terms of plot structure and character building. These critics, when creating their own theatrical works, may draw on Lemer's ideas and strive to conform their works to the requirements of classical theatrical theory.
However, Leimer's classicist criticism was also questioned and opposed by some literary critics and playwrights. They felt that Leimer's assessment was too bigoted and ignored the unique charm and deep ideas of Shakespeare's works. These critics argued that Leimer's classicist views were too rigid to be applied to evaluating the works of literary geniuses like Shakespeare.
IV. The Rebuttal and Struggle of British Critics
A. Dryden's rebuttal and criticism of Laimer's views
John Dryden was an important figure in 17th-century English literature, and his refutation of Lymer's views focused on the uniqueness and value of Shakespeare's work.
Dryden argues that Laimer's classicist critique is too rigid and ignores the unique charm and depth of Shakespeare's works. He pointed out that although Shakespeare's works may not conform to the norms of classicism in terms of plot structure and character building, they show a rich and colorful life and emotional experience. Shakespeare's works are full of vivid language, profound character descriptions, and rich ideological connotations, which are unique and precious aspects of his works.
Dryden also pointed out that classical criticism places too much emphasis on norms and principles, and ignores the emotional resonance and intellectual enlightenment that literary works can bring. He believes that the value of a literary work lies not only in whether it conforms to the norms of a certain theory, but also in whether it can touch people's hearts and inspire thinking, which is the characteristic of Shakespeare's works.
B. Golden et al.'s challenge to the shackles of classicism
In addition to Dryden, some later British critics also challenged the constraints of classicism, arguing that literary criticism should be more open and inclusive, and should not overemphasize a certain theory or norm.
Gordon and others argue that classical criticism is too rigid to adapt to the development of the times and the diversity of literary creation. They argue that criticism should be more flexible, not overly limited by a certain theory or norm, but should be analyzed and evaluated in detail according to the actual situation of the work.
Golden et al. argue that the value of a literary work should lie in its uniqueness and innovation, and should not be overly constrained by the framework of classical theory. They argue that criticism should be more open, allow for different literary styles and forms of expression, and encourage writers to show individuality and innovation in their creations.
V. Literary breakthrough and the laying of theoretical foundations
A. Countering the significance and impact of Reimer's view
The counterattack to Lemer's views marked a re-examination and rethinking of classicist criticism in the English literary world. As a representative of classical criticism, Laimer emphasized the importance of norms and theories, ignoring the individuality and innovation of literary works. However, Dryden et al.'s counterattack suggests that the value of a literary work should not be confined to a certain theory or norm, but should focus more on its uniqueness and innovation.
This counterattack had a profound impact on the world of English literature. First of all, it broke the monopoly of classical criticism and made literary criticism begin to develop towards pluralism and openness. People began to pay more attention to the unique style and expression of literary works, and no longer pursued a certain theory or norm too much. This provides a broader space and possibilities for literary creation and criticism, and makes the English literary scene gradually show the characteristics of diversification and enrichment.
Second, countering Leimer's views also promotes a re-evaluation and understanding of Shakespeare's work. Lemer's works for Shakespeare did not conform to the norms of classicism and were therefore belittled and ignored. However, the counterattack of Dryden and others shows that Shakespeare's works have a unique artistic charm and profound ideological connotation, which deserve to be re-examined and appreciated. This laid a more solid foundation for the position of Shakespeare's works in the history of English literature, making him one of the classic representatives of English literature.
B. The theoretical basis for English theatre to break through the shackles of classicism
English theatre laid an important theoretical foundation in breaking through the shackles of classicism. Classical criticism emphasizes norms and principles, and puts forward strict requirements for theatrical creation, such as the triunification and the five-act structure. However, as literary criticism became more pluralistic and open-ended, people began to re-examine these norms and seek new forms of theatrical expression.
First of all, British dramatists began to try to break the traditional Trinitarian and Five-Act structure and explore a more free and flexible narrative style. For example, some of Shakespeare's works use unconventional narrative structures, such as the five-act structure in Hamlet, which is not designed strictly according to classical norms. This breakthrough allowed British theatre to be more creative and appealing to a wider audience.
Secondly, British dramatists began to pay more attention to the inner world and emotional expression of the characters. Classicist criticism emphasizes the perfection of plot and structure, ignoring the depth and complexity of the characters. However, with the in-depth exploration of human nature and emotions, British theatre began to present richer and more realistic characters. For example, Shakespeare's works are full of characters with complex psychology, which makes his works more ornamental and appealing.
VI. Precursors of Romantic Poetics: Shakespeare's Collision with Classicism
Shakespeare's collision with classicism paved the way for the precursors of Romantic poetics. Romanticism advocated the free expression of individuality, imagination, and emotion, in contrast to the aesthetic concept of classicism, which emphasized norms and rationality. Shakespeare's works are full of imagination and emotional expression, and he broke the shackles of classicism to create a unique and original art form, setting an example for later generations of Romantic poets.
First of all, Shakespeare presents a personal image of the character through a profound depiction of the inner world and emotions of the characters. The characters in his works have rich inner worlds and complex emotions, such as Hamlet, the protagonist of Hamlet, is a complex character full of contradictions and doubts. This focus on the personality of the characters is in line with the pursuit of individual emotions and experiences in Romantic poetics, which provides important inspiration for the development of Romantic poetry.
Secondly, Shakespeare's works show a colorful imagination and creativity. His theatrical works cover a wide range of genres and styles, from comedy to tragedy, from historical dramas to fantasy plays, demonstrating his extensive knowledge and boundless imagination. This pursuit of imagination echoes the yearning for transcending reality and exploring the unknown in Romantic poetics, which provides rich literary resources for the creation of Romantic poetry.
To sum up, the collision between Shakespeare and classicism is the precursor of Romantic poetics, and the legacy and enlightenment of classical criticism are still of great significance in later literary theories. Together, they influenced the development of literary theories in later generations and promoted the diversification and enrichment of literary creation.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Frye, N. (1957). Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press.
Greenblatt, S. (2004). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
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