Johnathan Bi Can Love Survive Marriage? Stephen Greenblatt on Shakespeare
Aug 16, 2024
Stephen Greenblatt, a renowned scholar in Shakespearean studies, delves into the Bard's multifaceted views on love and marriage. He contrasts the exhilaration of courtship with the letdowns of marriage, highlighting Shakespeare's paradoxical portrayal of romantic ideals versus harsh realities. Greenblatt also explores societal attitudes towards love, including male relationships and Shakespeare's complex personal life. The discussion reveals how the intricacies of love, gender dynamics, and societal expectations shape Shakespeare's timeless narratives.
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Shakespeare’s View on Marriage
- Shakespeare brilliantly portrays passionate love but rarely depicts the following married life.
- His plays suggest marriages after the honeymoon phase are often difficult or miserable.
Greenblatt’s Personal Love Experience
- Stephen Greenblatt personally experienced a love he felt was once and for all.
- He identifies this rare absolute love with what Shakespeare portrays uniquely in Romeo and Juliet.
Indulge Passionate Love Fully
- Indulge wholeheartedly when you feel passionate love because it's a rare and fleeting experience.
- You may hope it lasts but realistically, you won't know if it will survive the test of time.