Shakespeare and Abraham

Shakespeare and Abraham

By Ken Jackson

Book Description

In this illuminating exploration, Ken Jackson reveals how the ancient biblical story of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac profoundly shaped William Shakespeare's dramatic imagination. Rather than simply examining obvious parallels, Jackson uncovers how this foundational narrative from Genesis 22 provided Shakespeare with a conceptual framework for exploring the deepest questions of faith, authority, law, and justice.

The influence of Abraham's story extends far beyond scenes of threatened children in Shakespeare's plays. Jackson demonstrates how this biblical account informed unexpected moments, from Shylock's trial in The Merchant of Venice to the complex structure of Timon of Athens. Through careful analysis, he shows how Shakespeare engaged with centuries of interpretation surrounding Abraham's story, drawing from Jewish, Christian, medieval, and Reformation traditions.

This scholarly yet accessible work bridges ancient wisdom and modern understanding, positioning Shakespeare within a rich genealogy that spans from biblical times to contemporary philosophical thought. Jackson's approach combines theological insight with critical theory, revealing how the playwright grappled with timeless spiritual and ethical dilemmas.

For readers interested in the intersection of literature and spirituality, this book offers fresh perspectives on how sacred narratives continue to shape artistic expression. Jackson's clear writing makes complex ideas approachable, showing how ancient stories of faith and sacrifice remain relevant to our modern quest for meaning and moral understanding.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)

📄 Length: 184 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Understand spiritual ethics
  • ✓ Explore Abraham (biblical patriarch)
  • ✓ Explore Renaissance
  • ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / Renaissance
  • ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh
  • ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / Shakespeare
  • ✓ Explore European
  • ✓ Explore English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh

Topics Covered

Shakespeare, william, 1564-1616, religion and ethics Abraham (biblical patriarch) Renaissance LITERARY CRITICISM / Renaissance LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh LITERARY CRITICISM / Shakespeare European English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh Influence Fathers and sons in literature LITERARY CRITICISM / Drama Drama Bible, influence Religion In literature LITERARY CRITICISM Bible Shakespeare

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