James Baldwin writes about the moment that he stopped hating Shakespeare. In Julius Caesar, it is the moment that Cinna the Poet will be
James Baldwin writes about the moment that he stopped hating Shakespeare. In Julius Caesar, it is the moment that Cinna the Poet will be recognized as a conspirator and not a poet. This is a moment of self-consciousness, the moment that a character realizes that he/she too is a character – not in a play – but in life, and the play is only an imitation – or a representation – of what life has come to mean. Obviously, I cannot ask you about Julius Caesar, but I can ask you about your own reaction to Shakespeare. What in particular do you notice about Shakespeare’s writing? What is distinct about it? Simply put, what have you learned from him? Baldwin might suggest a lot of things to say about him – and you are certainly invited to consider his responses, but I am mainly looking for your discovery, your sense of who Shakespeare is as a writer. In your response, refer to different plays and scenes that seem important to you. Of course, if you don’t like Shakespeare (after taking the course), you can write about that also. Why and how has he disappointed you, and are there any particular scenes that demonstrate your feelings for this poet? There are lots of ways to respond to this question: I only ask that you make specific reference to at least one of the plays, but in truth I would like to see more than one. Quote from the plays if necessary and make sure we know which play and which act/scene/lines you are discussing. In your response you may also refer to any of our critical readings and, of course, Marjorie Garber’s Shakespeare and Modern Culture. It’s possible Garber will be particularly helpful in responding to this question. Another way to ask the same question is to ask how is Shakespeare relevant! Garber certainly reflects that question.
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