French Literature Reviews - 2026
A. Bloom, H. V. Jaffa, Shakespeare's Political Thought
History, Politics and Society
Shakespeare's Political Thought
Allan Bloom, in collaboration with Harry V. Jaffa
Armand Colin, 2021
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192 pages
19.90 EUR
EAN: 9782200629526
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DESCRIPTION
It seems clear that Shakespeare truly and consciously designed his works as vehicles for his political wisdom—as his history plays amply demonstrate. In them, Shakespeare sought to develop a reasoned perspective on the nature of the English regime and how it should be embraced and revered by future generations of Englishmen. He succeeded in this endeavor, for in many ways Englishmen genuinely understand their history precisely as he portrayed it. In this respect, his purpose was explicitly political. By grounding his work primarily in the concerns of civil society, he understood what could captivate and enthrall his audience.
Is it plausible that these were nothing more than a series of mere theatrical entertainments? Can one reasonably claim that Shakespeare rushed into writing history plays simply because he needed money, or that he was ignorant of the most crucial facts of English history because he lacked formal education? That would be akin to saying that Jefferson, with no genuine interest in political principles, wrote the Declaration of Independence because he wanted fame, and that its success is due to the fact that it makes for an excellent Fourth of July speech…
This compelling study situates itself within the rich tradition of political philosophy and literary criticism, engaging deeply with how dramatic art can articulate profound civic principles. By examining the history plays, the authors challenge reductive views of Elizabethan drama as mere commercial entertainment or the accidental byproduct of an unlettered genius. Instead, they present Shakespeare as a conscious architect of national identity whose works offer a coherent, reasoned perspective on the English regime. The text invites readers to reconsider the relationship between imaginative literature and political wisdom, drawing a provocative parallel to how foundational political documents shape a nation's self-understanding.
Students of political science, Renaissance literature, and intellectual history will find this work a stimulating resource for exploring the intersection of art and governance. It provides valuable tools for reevaluating the historical plays not simply as theatrical spectacles, but as deliberate engagements with the concerns of civil society. The book will particularly appeal to readers interested in how great literature captures the enduring questions of authority, legitimacy, and civic duty. Through its rigorous inquiry, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about the intentionality of dramatic texts and their lasting influence on political culture.