gospel according to Shakespeare, The
Book Description
In this illuminating exploration, scholar Piero Boitani reveals how Shakespeare wove the profound spiritual truths of the New Testament into the fabric of his greatest plays. Rather than merely borrowing biblical stories, the playwright created what Boitani calls an "original testament" that translates divine wisdom into deeply human experiences.
Boitani demonstrates how Shakespeare approached the Gospels not as distant religious texts, but as living documents that spoke to universal questions of meaning, redemption, and transcendence. Through careful analysis, he shows how plays like Hamlet and King Lear offer glimpses of faith and salvation from afar, while later works including The Winter's Tale and The Tempest boldly explore themes of forgiveness, resurrection, and spiritual awakening.
This work invites readers to discover how Shakespeare transformed sacred narratives into theatrical experiences that continue to resonate with seekers across centuries. By examining the playwright's "rescripturing" of Gospel themes, Boitani opens new pathways for understanding how great literature can serve as a bridge between the divine and human experience.
Originally recognized with Italy's prestigious De Sanctis Prize, this translation makes Boitani's insights accessible to English-speaking readers seeking to understand how timeless spiritual wisdom finds expression through artistic genius. The book offers both scholarly depth and accessible wisdom for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, literature, and the human journey toward understanding.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 156 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore In literature
- ✓ Explore English drama, history and criticism
- ✓ Understand spiritual ethics
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Shakespeare, william, 1564-1616
- ✓ Explore English Christian drama
- ✓ Explore Bible
