ISO 9001:2015

THE INFLUENCE OF HUMANISM IN SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS

Dr. Sangeeta Rautela

Renaissance's prevalent intellectual tide, humanism, had an immense impact on William Shakespeare's works. They portray the principal precepts of humanism with a focus on individual agency, reason, and moral philosophy. This essay looks into how the works of Shakespeare encapsulate the ideals of humanism in deep character development, moral dilemmas, and changing views on humankind. Concentrating on plays like Hamlet, King Lear, The Tempest, and Macbeth, this research explores how Shakespearean drama transcends medieval fatalism to depict characters with free will, self-awareness, and a profound interest in the human condition. Furthermore, the paper addresses Shakespeare's interaction with classical literature and philosophy, especially the impact of scholars like Seneca, Erasmus, and Montaigne. By analyzing key dialogues and monologues, the research demonstrates how Shakespeare’s plays serve as both reflections and critiques of Renaissance humanism. The findings suggest that Shakespeare was not only a product of humanist thought but also a critical commentator on its limitations and contradictions.


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