Shakespeare is Autistic (With Dr. Sonya Freeman Loftis) (Episode 109)
Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!
Autism and Identity in Shakespeare's Characters
This chapter examines the intricacies of Shakespearean characters through the framework of autism, particularly focusing on Hamlet's emotional challenges compared to more action-driven characters like Laertes and Fortinbras. It also addresses themes of neurodivergence, societal norms, and the implications of ableism in Shakespeare's works, while reflecting on the playwright's own potential neurodiverse identity.
An episode that’s Much Ado About Autism!
Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:
* Today, Matt and Angela welcome special guest and Shakespeare expert Dr. Sonya Freeman Loftis to explore how the Bard’s works connect with autistic culture.
* Sonya shares how she began studying Shakespeare through a disability lens and explores how some of his characters embody neurodivergent traits.
* We discuss how the Globe Theatre is highly accommodating of disabilities and how Shakespeare’s works are often featured in “relaxed performances” or autism-friendly showings.
* Additionally, we explore the existence of Shakespeare therapy and how his works bring comfort in settings ranging from prisons to assisted living facilities.
* Because of its complex language, Shakespeare’s work requires a lot of bottom-up processing—something that comes naturally to us autistic folks.
* We also talk about how Hamlet’s deep melancholy and introspection can easily be understood through a neurodivergent lens.
* "To be or not to be" is honestly the most famous autistic inertia quote of all time.
* Our hosts and Sonya also dive into the character of Coriolanus, exploring how his lack of social interest and strong sense of justice make him an inherently autistic character.
* Tragic heroes often embody neurodivergent experiences—whether it’s Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, or Hamlet, each character reflects traits that resonate with the neurodivergent journey.
* We discuss the ableism faced by Othello due to his epilepsy and how his character highlights the broader theme of otherness in Shakespeare’s works—showing that understanding Shakespeare means understanding the experience of being viewed as different.
* The emotional intensity of Shakespeare’s plays can be deeply cathartic for the autistic reader, offering a powerful release through the raw, unfiltered emotions of his characters.
* In Shakespeare’s works, due to the time period, neurodivergent traits are often used for comic relief or are punished in some way, reflecting the societal attitudes of his era towards difference.
* It’s hard to say whether Shakespeare himself was autistic, as little is known about him biographically, but it’s fascinating to see the ways disabled people have claimed his work and found resonance in his characters and themes.
* However, Shakespeare could have been neurodivergent simply due to the sheer volume of writing he produced and the vast amount of knowledge he seemed to hold, which could suggest a unique cognitive perspective.
* Shakespeare’s work continues to be adapted and reclaimed to this day—like Baz Luhrmann’s iconic Romeo + Juliet—as well as through neurodivergent Shakespeare meetups, where his plays are reinterpreted and embraced by new audiences.
* Finally, we discuss the non-reciprocal, autistic language in Hamlet and how Shakespearean theater often breaks away from the rules and conventions of neurotypical performances, making it easier for neurodivergent audiences to have their needs met.
“As a person with a disability, I felt frustrated sometimes when I would go to Shakespeare conferences and find that most of the focus was only on characters. And I thought, ‘okay, but what about the real people with disabilities who read Shakespeare and perform in Shakespeare plays and go to Shakespeare theaters?’ And, you know, why isn’t anyone writing anything about them?” - Dr. Sonya Freeman Loftis
“One of the things that makes [Shakespeare] autistic culture representative is that because it is not in vernacular English, you have to bottom-up process. You need a dramaturg. You have to break down every single thing.” - Angela
“Growing up as an autistic person, I never understood all of the conversation around me. I could understand some of it, but I never understood all of it. Neurotypical people use so many words, and there was so much conversation. And I feel like that acceptance of not understanding it all has helped me to be a better reader of Shakespeare.” - Dr. Sonya Freeman Loftis
“Average people throughout history did not make history. The average person lived and died largely forgotten, living an average life. If you do something that is divergent, like making a whole bunch of plays that live on for centuries after your death, that is indicative of neurodivergence. Average people live average lives. And if you want to be outstanding, you've got to be standing out.” - Matt
Did you enjoy this episode? All the world’s a stage, but Shakespeare’s works might just be the most autistic of them all. We dive into the deeply neurodivergent themes, characters, and language that make the Bard’s plays resonate with the autistic experience. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your favorite autistic Shakespeare moments!
Show Notes:
https://morehouse.academia.edu/SonyaLoftis
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