Deep Wisdom from Shakespeare's Dramas: Theological Reflections on Seven Shakespeare Plays

Synopsis: Arjan Plaisier believes audiences who view Shakespeare performances and readers who study the plays deserve better than some of the recent interpretations of the Bards work. In their attempt to be modern these interpreters commit historical amnesia by slighting the Christian ethos of the early Renaissance period in which Shakespeare wrote and by riding roughshod over the religious underpinnings of his plays. This neglect skews the playwrights intentions confuses the audience and diminishes the full effect of the play. Plaisier too is modern--and in a more profound sense. He sets forth how Shakespeare shapes his plots to conform at an ultimate level to timeless biblical narrative patterns (like Northrop Frye he regards the Bible as a code book) so that there is a right ending to the work. And in an Appendix Plaisier provides some kindly advice to his fellow pastors. You do well he says to them to enrich your noble calling with attention to literature. To do this he says you will find Shakespeare most helpful. Yes and Plaisiers perceptive essays point to the deep wisdom in Shakespeare by which we can all live. Endorsements: Plaisier has found the richest Christian ore in Shakespeare and has dug it up for us all. Always wise and revealing he sets the highest standard for work at the intersection of faith and literature. Steve Van der Weeles translation is marvelously readable. --Neal Plantinga President of Calvin Theological Seminary Emeritus In this time of directors theater and modern dress extravaganzas it is refreshing to find a literary critic who returns to the roots of Shakespeares work. Arjan Plaisier finds strong theological undercurrents in seven of Shakespeares greatest plays. Directors actors and teachers will profit from this skillful translation by Steve Van der Weele. He has however done everyone who loves Shakespeares works a great favor. --Howard Slenk Professor of Music Calvin College Emeritus It is a pleasure for me to recommend Dr. Arjan Plaisiers seven theological meditations on seven of Shakespeares plays. The centuries that have elapsed since his life and career notwithstanding the playwrights work remains a source of both pleasure and wisdom . . . Dr. Steve Van der Weele himself well versed in Shakespeare studies deserves our thanks for providing a fine translation making Dr. Plaisiers analyses accessible to English-speaking readers. Busy pastors as well as a wide spectrum of general readers will welcome this book. --Sierd Woudstra Pastor teacher translator Arjan Plaisiers analyses of seven Shakespeare plays confirms my belief that high art comes as close as we mortals can get to intimations of immortality as close to the gates of heaven as human effort can attain. We owe it to Steve Van der Weele that by his translation of Plaisiers book he has done much to demonstrate that truth for innumerable readers of Shakespeares work. I add incidentally that I cannot remember ever having read a better analysis of a Shakespeare play than Plaisiers King Lear. --Martinus Bakker Professor of Dutch Calvin College Emeritus Translator Biography: Steve J. Van der Weele is a retired professor of English at Calvin College Grand Rapids Michigan where he taught for thirty-four years. He is the author of Literature and Religion as Amiable Companions: A Harvest of Essays and Reflections.