Shakespeare's Literary Influences
(picture obtained from http://aliteraryodyssey.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-about-shakespeare-shakespeare.html)
1a. William Starts School Article Summary- William went to Stratford's local corporation-funded school when he was around seven years old. His mother Mary may have taught him to read and write before he went to school. There was a lot of oral culture in the 1500's, books were extremely rare. Shakespeare went to grammar school in 1571. There he was expected to learn both Greek and Latin. The curriculum that was taught was mostly classics in these two languages. They also had to memorize large portions of stories and poems by heart, and learn polite manners and responsibility. Boys who did not learn these languages well or did not listen were given major beatings. William's school day started at 6 or 7am, depending on the season. In the classroom there were not very nice conditions, with no air conditioning and very little heat. Shakespeare also performed plays in Latin, which influenced his adult work. The Roman poet Ovid influenced him a great deal, as well as the religious crises of the time. Shakespeare didn't go on to any higher education, and left his school prematurely.
2a. Our team chose Metamorphoses by Ovid. Publius Ovidius Naso was an important Roman poet. He was born in 43 B.C. in Italy, just one year after Julius Caesar was assassinated. His family wanted him to become a politician so they gave him a great education. However, when he was older, Ovid decided to become a writer. He wrote a large amount of books and poems, and earned wide recognition. When Ovid was around the age of fifty, he was exiled for something offensive by the emperor, but even today we don't know exactly what he did. While in exile, Ovid passed away in A.D. 14.
2b. The book Metamorphoses itself is an assortment of old myths, completed around A.D. 8. Ovid wrote the myths in epic poem form, and combined them all into the book. The stories all involve a metamorphosis, thus the title. There are 15 books inside the poem. The book talks a lot about Roman leaders and the Gods.
i. Book one of Metamorphoses talks about the creation of the world. Ovid praises the Gods for "these miracles". He talks about the Earth as a "lifeless lump" and an "indigested mass". Then one of the Gods formed the world and universe, and made all their systems. Human kind was also created, and thus, the "earth was metamorphos'd into Man". Humankind went through a golden age, and everyone was very happy and enjoyed Earth. Then, when "good Saturn" was banished and driven to hell, mankind went through a silver age, when seasons appeared. Then there were the brazen and iron ages, in which bloody wars started. Then there was a war with the demi-god giants of Earth. Then nymphs and people are transformed into different plants and animals. In book two, the story of Phaeton and his family is told, as well as the story of Calisto, the story of Coronis and Aesculapius, and the stories of a few other characters. Book three tells the stories of Cadmus, Actaeon turning into a stag, the birth of Bacchus, the transformation of Tiresias, Echo, and detailed accounts of some other transformations. Books four and five talk about other characters, including the story of Medusa's head, the story of Arachne turning from a woman into a spider, and other people being turned into different animals and elements of nature. The rest of Metamorphoses discusses many other transformations, and the stories of some famous Roman figures.
ii. Ten Important Quotes
1. " Of bodies chang'd to various forms, I sing: Ye Gods, from whom these miracles did spring, Inspire my numbers with coelestial heat; 'Till I my long laborious work compleat:
And add perpetual tenour to my rhimes, Deduc'd from Nature's birth, to Caesar's times"
I chose this quote because it sums up Ovid's whole purpose of writing Metamorphoses. He wanted his book to talk about things that were transformed by the Roman Gods that he believed in. It also talks about how hard this long process was, and how the book covers from creation to the days of Caesar.
2. " The Sun's bright palace, on high columns rais'd, With burnish'd gold and flaming jewels blaz'd; The folding gates diffus'd a silver light, And with a milder gleam refresh'd the sight; Of polish'd iv'ry was the cov'ring wrought: The matter vied not with the sculptor's thought, For in the portal was display'd on high (The work of Vulcan) a fictitious sky"
I chose this quote because it really shows how descriptive Ovid was in his writing. He was great at creating beautiful imagery. This kind of descriptive imagery is used in Shakespeare's work as well.
3. " I, who before me see the charming fair, Whilst there he stands, and yet he stands not there: In such a maze of love my thoughts are lost: And yet no bulwark'd town, nor distant coast, Preserves the beauteous youth from being seen, No mountains rise, nor oceans flow between. A shallow water hinders my embrace; And yet the lovely mimick wears a face That kindly smiles, and when I bend to join My lips to his, he fondly bends to mine."
I chose this quote because it displays beautiful imagery, and tells about a big part of Metamorphoses, love. Ovid tells quite a few love stories within the books.
4. " Medusa once had charms: to gain her love A rival crowd of envious lovers strove.
They, who have seen her, own they ne'er did trace More moving features in a sweeter face: Yet above all, her length of hair, they own, In golden ringlets wav'd, and graceful shone."
This quote is important because it discusses an important mythological character, Medusa. The way Ovid tells her story is extremely beautiful. The words he uses have very positive connotations at the beginning, and by the ending of the poem in book five, there were a lot of words with very negative connotations.
5. " What joys can immortality bestow?"
I chose this quote because it is a very powerful question to readers of Metamorphoses. It is in the story of Glaucus and Scylla, and it does pertain to the story, but it is also a great question to ponder in general.
6. " The rich poor fool, confounded with surprize, Starving in all his various plenty lies:
Sick of his wish, he now detests the pow'r, For which he ask'd so earnestly before;
Amidst his gold with pinching famine curst"
This quote comes from the story of King Midas, whose wish was to have everything he touched become golden. The gods granted his request, and soon he was starving to death because he couldn't eat gold. I chose this quote because I enjoyed Ovid's use of the oxymoron "the rich poor fool". I also chose it because the story of Midas pertains to our own lives, and describes the often selfish nature of humans.
7. "Is any rev'rence to our presence giv'n, Then why this discord 'mong the Pow'rs of Heav'n?
Who can the settled will of Fate subdue?"
I chose this quote because it is from a section discussing a debate among the gods. Almost, if not all, of the stories in Metamorphoses contain details about the Gods. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare also discusses the gods of Rome many times. He was clearly influenced by Ovid.
8. " The father, now no more a father, cries, Ho Icarus! where are you? as he flies; Where shall I seek my boy? he cries again, And saw his feathers scatter'd on the main. Then curs'd his art; and fun'ral rites confer'd, Naming the country from the youth interr'd."
I chose this quote because it is from the story of Daedalus and Icarus. The story tells of a father's foolish mistake, and this quote about sums it up. Daedalus realizes his mistake of being selfish and longing for home. We as humans are also very selfish, and don't always realize how our mistakes can affect those around us.
9. " The beauteous Goddess with a graceful air Bow'd in consent, and nodded to their pray'r. The awful motion shook the fruitful ground, And wav'd the fields with golden harvests crown'd.
Soon she contriv'd in her projecting mind A plague severe, and piteous in its kind "
I chose this quote because it describes how Ovid feels about the Gods and Goddesses. If he describes the Goddess as beautiful and graceful right before she conjures up a plague, he must have a great deal of reverence for her. Ovid clearly believed in his religion.
10. " But mortal bliss will never come sincere, Pleasure may lead, but grief brings up the rear"
This quote comes from the story of Aegeus. I chose it because it describes Ovid's ideas about life. This quote is very true. In life, there are good and bad times, and Ovid clearly understood this fact.
iii. Importance to History
Ovid became extremely famous for writing Metamorphoses. The poem influenced European art a great deal. Titan’s Diana and Callisto, Carravaggio’s Medusa, and Michaelangelo’s Fall of Phaethon are just three examples of works of art based off of Metamorphoses. The story has also inspired other stories, and readers have enjoyed it for many years. It has stood the test of time, and will continue to have a lasting legacy.
iv. Influence on Shakespeare’s Work
Two of Shakespeare’s plays, Titus Andronicus and Midsummer’s Night Dream include the most obvious references to Metamorphoses, because they retell parts of Metamorphoses. Shakespeare also references the Roman Gods in many of his plays, including Romeo and Juliet. He used the English translation of Metamorphoses on a daily basis, and most likely first read the poem in school. Ovid clearly influenced Shakespeare’s work majorly.
Comparing Shakespeare and Ovid's Stories
Romeo and Juliet
-Gods and mythical beings are mentioned multiple times
-Many vivid descriptions and imagery
-Queen Mab is fierce like Ovid’s creatures and Roman Gods
-Play is set in Italy
-Is a love story
-Has a tragic ending
Metamorphoses
-Gods and mythical beings are what the poem is all about
-Vivid descriptions and imagery throughout
- Poem tells the history of Rome
-Includes some love stories
-Full of tradgedy
Influential Modern Day Literature
Today, there is still a major amount of influential literature. Some of these pieces are,
1. The Help by Stockett
This book has had a huge influence on my generation. Everyone learns about the horrible racial past of America in school, but hearing about it from a historical fiction book that is interesting and well written is a totally different experience. For myself personally, this book taught me a great deal about what living in that era may have been like.
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Lewis
This story is one of the most children’s popular books of all time. It has captivated a large amount of young readers for many years. Personally, this is one of my favorite books. The author himself has inspired me a great deal.
3. Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck
This story is extremely well known. It has influenced people with its portrayal of people with disabilities, and its tale of hope and commitment. I was extremely touched through this book.
4. Charlotte’s Web by White
This story is also a widely read children’s tale. Its story of sacrifice, love, and friendship has influenced many, including myself. This is an extremely powerful piece of literature.
5. The Hunger Games by Collins
This book and its series have exploded into a huge commercial dynasty. This piece of literature is very well written, and really connects with people of all ages, especially my generation. Even in a futuristic world, the internal conflicts Katniss faces in loss, anger, and in love really resonate with me.
6. Harry Potter Series by Rowling
This series has also impacted my generation. I don’t think there is a kid in America who hasn’t heard of these books. They are masterfully written, with beautiful imagery and the tale of the kid who doesn’t fit in relates to many people. I loved reading this series.
These are just a few examples of influential modern day literature, there are many more.
Works Cited
Blakeney, Katherine. "Ovid's Metamorphoses and the Plays of Shakespeare." Student Pulse. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/105/ovids-metamorphoses-and-the-plays-of-shakespeare>.
Gill, N.S. "Ovid - Overview of the Latin Poet." About.com Ancient / Classical History. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/a/ovid.htm>.
"Most Influential Fiction of the 20th Century." Harris County Public Library. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hcpl.net/read/most-influential-fiction-20th-century>.
Johnston, Ian. "Lecture on Ovid's Metamorphoses." Lecture on Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Vancouver Island University, Nov. 1997. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/introser/Ovid.htm>.
Jones, Jonathan. "The Transformative Effect of Ovid's Metamorphoses on European Art." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 16 Sept. 0024. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2012/apr/24/transformative-effect-ovid-metamorphoses-european-artists>.
"Most Influential Fiction of the 20th Century." Harris County Public Library. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hcpl.net/read/most-influential-fiction-20th-century>.
Ovid. "Metamorphoses." Ovid Texts. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_text_ovid_meta.htm>.
1a. William Starts School Article Summary- William went to Stratford's local corporation-funded school when he was around seven years old. His mother Mary may have taught him to read and write before he went to school. There was a lot of oral culture in the 1500's, books were extremely rare. Shakespeare went to grammar school in 1571. There he was expected to learn both Greek and Latin. The curriculum that was taught was mostly classics in these two languages. They also had to memorize large portions of stories and poems by heart, and learn polite manners and responsibility. Boys who did not learn these languages well or did not listen were given major beatings. William's school day started at 6 or 7am, depending on the season. In the classroom there were not very nice conditions, with no air conditioning and very little heat. Shakespeare also performed plays in Latin, which influenced his adult work. The Roman poet Ovid influenced him a great deal, as well as the religious crises of the time. Shakespeare didn't go on to any higher education, and left his school prematurely.
2a. Our team chose Metamorphoses by Ovid. Publius Ovidius Naso was an important Roman poet. He was born in 43 B.C. in Italy, just one year after Julius Caesar was assassinated. His family wanted him to become a politician so they gave him a great education. However, when he was older, Ovid decided to become a writer. He wrote a large amount of books and poems, and earned wide recognition. When Ovid was around the age of fifty, he was exiled for something offensive by the emperor, but even today we don't know exactly what he did. While in exile, Ovid passed away in A.D. 14.
2b. The book Metamorphoses itself is an assortment of old myths, completed around A.D. 8. Ovid wrote the myths in epic poem form, and combined them all into the book. The stories all involve a metamorphosis, thus the title. There are 15 books inside the poem. The book talks a lot about Roman leaders and the Gods.
i. Book one of Metamorphoses talks about the creation of the world. Ovid praises the Gods for "these miracles". He talks about the Earth as a "lifeless lump" and an "indigested mass". Then one of the Gods formed the world and universe, and made all their systems. Human kind was also created, and thus, the "earth was metamorphos'd into Man". Humankind went through a golden age, and everyone was very happy and enjoyed Earth. Then, when "good Saturn" was banished and driven to hell, mankind went through a silver age, when seasons appeared. Then there were the brazen and iron ages, in which bloody wars started. Then there was a war with the demi-god giants of Earth. Then nymphs and people are transformed into different plants and animals. In book two, the story of Phaeton and his family is told, as well as the story of Calisto, the story of Coronis and Aesculapius, and the stories of a few other characters. Book three tells the stories of Cadmus, Actaeon turning into a stag, the birth of Bacchus, the transformation of Tiresias, Echo, and detailed accounts of some other transformations. Books four and five talk about other characters, including the story of Medusa's head, the story of Arachne turning from a woman into a spider, and other people being turned into different animals and elements of nature. The rest of Metamorphoses discusses many other transformations, and the stories of some famous Roman figures.
ii. Ten Important Quotes
1. " Of bodies chang'd to various forms, I sing: Ye Gods, from whom these miracles did spring, Inspire my numbers with coelestial heat; 'Till I my long laborious work compleat:
And add perpetual tenour to my rhimes, Deduc'd from Nature's birth, to Caesar's times"
I chose this quote because it sums up Ovid's whole purpose of writing Metamorphoses. He wanted his book to talk about things that were transformed by the Roman Gods that he believed in. It also talks about how hard this long process was, and how the book covers from creation to the days of Caesar.
2. " The Sun's bright palace, on high columns rais'd, With burnish'd gold and flaming jewels blaz'd; The folding gates diffus'd a silver light, And with a milder gleam refresh'd the sight; Of polish'd iv'ry was the cov'ring wrought: The matter vied not with the sculptor's thought, For in the portal was display'd on high (The work of Vulcan) a fictitious sky"
I chose this quote because it really shows how descriptive Ovid was in his writing. He was great at creating beautiful imagery. This kind of descriptive imagery is used in Shakespeare's work as well.
3. " I, who before me see the charming fair, Whilst there he stands, and yet he stands not there: In such a maze of love my thoughts are lost: And yet no bulwark'd town, nor distant coast, Preserves the beauteous youth from being seen, No mountains rise, nor oceans flow between. A shallow water hinders my embrace; And yet the lovely mimick wears a face That kindly smiles, and when I bend to join My lips to his, he fondly bends to mine."
I chose this quote because it displays beautiful imagery, and tells about a big part of Metamorphoses, love. Ovid tells quite a few love stories within the books.
4. " Medusa once had charms: to gain her love A rival crowd of envious lovers strove.
They, who have seen her, own they ne'er did trace More moving features in a sweeter face: Yet above all, her length of hair, they own, In golden ringlets wav'd, and graceful shone."
This quote is important because it discusses an important mythological character, Medusa. The way Ovid tells her story is extremely beautiful. The words he uses have very positive connotations at the beginning, and by the ending of the poem in book five, there were a lot of words with very negative connotations.
5. " What joys can immortality bestow?"
I chose this quote because it is a very powerful question to readers of Metamorphoses. It is in the story of Glaucus and Scylla, and it does pertain to the story, but it is also a great question to ponder in general.
6. " The rich poor fool, confounded with surprize, Starving in all his various plenty lies:
Sick of his wish, he now detests the pow'r, For which he ask'd so earnestly before;
Amidst his gold with pinching famine curst"
This quote comes from the story of King Midas, whose wish was to have everything he touched become golden. The gods granted his request, and soon he was starving to death because he couldn't eat gold. I chose this quote because I enjoyed Ovid's use of the oxymoron "the rich poor fool". I also chose it because the story of Midas pertains to our own lives, and describes the often selfish nature of humans.
7. "Is any rev'rence to our presence giv'n, Then why this discord 'mong the Pow'rs of Heav'n?
Who can the settled will of Fate subdue?"
I chose this quote because it is from a section discussing a debate among the gods. Almost, if not all, of the stories in Metamorphoses contain details about the Gods. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare also discusses the gods of Rome many times. He was clearly influenced by Ovid.
8. " The father, now no more a father, cries, Ho Icarus! where are you? as he flies; Where shall I seek my boy? he cries again, And saw his feathers scatter'd on the main. Then curs'd his art; and fun'ral rites confer'd, Naming the country from the youth interr'd."
I chose this quote because it is from the story of Daedalus and Icarus. The story tells of a father's foolish mistake, and this quote about sums it up. Daedalus realizes his mistake of being selfish and longing for home. We as humans are also very selfish, and don't always realize how our mistakes can affect those around us.
9. " The beauteous Goddess with a graceful air Bow'd in consent, and nodded to their pray'r. The awful motion shook the fruitful ground, And wav'd the fields with golden harvests crown'd.
Soon she contriv'd in her projecting mind A plague severe, and piteous in its kind "
I chose this quote because it describes how Ovid feels about the Gods and Goddesses. If he describes the Goddess as beautiful and graceful right before she conjures up a plague, he must have a great deal of reverence for her. Ovid clearly believed in his religion.
10. " But mortal bliss will never come sincere, Pleasure may lead, but grief brings up the rear"
This quote comes from the story of Aegeus. I chose it because it describes Ovid's ideas about life. This quote is very true. In life, there are good and bad times, and Ovid clearly understood this fact.
iii. Importance to History
Ovid became extremely famous for writing Metamorphoses. The poem influenced European art a great deal. Titan’s Diana and Callisto, Carravaggio’s Medusa, and Michaelangelo’s Fall of Phaethon are just three examples of works of art based off of Metamorphoses. The story has also inspired other stories, and readers have enjoyed it for many years. It has stood the test of time, and will continue to have a lasting legacy.
iv. Influence on Shakespeare’s Work
Two of Shakespeare’s plays, Titus Andronicus and Midsummer’s Night Dream include the most obvious references to Metamorphoses, because they retell parts of Metamorphoses. Shakespeare also references the Roman Gods in many of his plays, including Romeo and Juliet. He used the English translation of Metamorphoses on a daily basis, and most likely first read the poem in school. Ovid clearly influenced Shakespeare’s work majorly.
Comparing Shakespeare and Ovid's Stories
Romeo and Juliet
-Gods and mythical beings are mentioned multiple times
-Many vivid descriptions and imagery
-Queen Mab is fierce like Ovid’s creatures and Roman Gods
-Play is set in Italy
-Is a love story
-Has a tragic ending
Metamorphoses
-Gods and mythical beings are what the poem is all about
-Vivid descriptions and imagery throughout
- Poem tells the history of Rome
-Includes some love stories
-Full of tradgedy
Influential Modern Day Literature
Today, there is still a major amount of influential literature. Some of these pieces are,
1. The Help by Stockett
This book has had a huge influence on my generation. Everyone learns about the horrible racial past of America in school, but hearing about it from a historical fiction book that is interesting and well written is a totally different experience. For myself personally, this book taught me a great deal about what living in that era may have been like.
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Lewis
This story is one of the most children’s popular books of all time. It has captivated a large amount of young readers for many years. Personally, this is one of my favorite books. The author himself has inspired me a great deal.
3. Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck
This story is extremely well known. It has influenced people with its portrayal of people with disabilities, and its tale of hope and commitment. I was extremely touched through this book.
4. Charlotte’s Web by White
This story is also a widely read children’s tale. Its story of sacrifice, love, and friendship has influenced many, including myself. This is an extremely powerful piece of literature.
5. The Hunger Games by Collins
This book and its series have exploded into a huge commercial dynasty. This piece of literature is very well written, and really connects with people of all ages, especially my generation. Even in a futuristic world, the internal conflicts Katniss faces in loss, anger, and in love really resonate with me.
6. Harry Potter Series by Rowling
This series has also impacted my generation. I don’t think there is a kid in America who hasn’t heard of these books. They are masterfully written, with beautiful imagery and the tale of the kid who doesn’t fit in relates to many people. I loved reading this series.
These are just a few examples of influential modern day literature, there are many more.
Works Cited
Blakeney, Katherine. "Ovid's Metamorphoses and the Plays of Shakespeare." Student Pulse. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/105/ovids-metamorphoses-and-the-plays-of-shakespeare>.
Gill, N.S. "Ovid - Overview of the Latin Poet." About.com Ancient / Classical History. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/a/ovid.htm>.
"Most Influential Fiction of the 20th Century." Harris County Public Library. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hcpl.net/read/most-influential-fiction-20th-century>.
Johnston, Ian. "Lecture on Ovid's Metamorphoses." Lecture on Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Vancouver Island University, Nov. 1997. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/introser/Ovid.htm>.
Jones, Jonathan. "The Transformative Effect of Ovid's Metamorphoses on European Art." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 16 Sept. 0024. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2012/apr/24/transformative-effect-ovid-metamorphoses-european-artists>.
"Most Influential Fiction of the 20th Century." Harris County Public Library. N.p., 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hcpl.net/read/most-influential-fiction-20th-century>.
Ovid. "Metamorphoses." Ovid Texts. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_text_ovid_meta.htm>.