Call him the best campaign asset, speech-writer or political satirist, but it is safe to say that Shakespeare would have a thing or two to say about Decision 2012.
As one of the most influential writers of the Western world, Shakespeare could hold more sway than the House of Representatives, Senate and judicial courts combined.
And as the decision for a new American president is only hours from being made, it may be wise to look back on one of history’s most influential thinkers and speculate what he would have to say.
“I think he would vote for Obama because he would get a kick out of his sense of humor,” said Dr. Tennant, English professor at Corban University.
Out of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, 16 are considered histories, and thus, in essence, they are political. As he was writing during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, some consider his plays as propaganda praising the queen, notably “Henry VIII.” Others, like “Richard III,” denounce bad political leaders.
His greatest tragedies, notably “Macbeth,” “Othello,” and “King Lear,” portray the fall of great men in light of their political temptations and positions. Furthermore, one of Shakespeare’s all-encompassing goals through his plays was to search out what it meant to be a good leader, hence “Henry IV” and “Henry V.”
“Shakespeare doesn’t shy away from tragedy,” said Katie Wilson, a junior at Corban University. “He embraces the full range of human experience and being the dramatist that he is, he’d be likely to vote in the direction of whoever will create the grandest drama of US History.”
Whether Obama or Romney is the most dramatic, only time will tell. However, it is of note that in Obama’s favorite books of all time, he places Shakespeare’s “Tragedies” in that category, whereas Romney has “Adventures of the Thunderbolt Kid” by Bill Bryson.
Junior Ralph Emerson, who will be playing King Duncan in Corban’s fall production of “Macbeth,” impersonated the dramatic when asked about Shakespeare’s political opinions.
“Give me your hands if we be friends, and Romney shall restore amends,” he said.
And for the democrats?
“But, soft. What light through yonder window breaks? It is the sun and Obama is the east.”
Katrina Aman says
This is so good. Kate, I love your writing style. and the students’ contributions to the story were very incitement. Didn’t expect nor have I ever seen a story written on this sort of political angle. But then again, you would be the one to do it :)
Very good job. I really enjoyed this.
Marty says
Thanks Kate! Enjoyed the perspective. I’m not sure of the significance, though; I mean ‘What’s in a name?” after all!