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Shakespeare in a Divided America

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James Shapiro

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From leading Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro comes a timely examination of what the world's greatest dramatist can teach us about life in a divided America. Throughout history, Americans from various backgrounds have connected deeply with Shakespeare's plays, despite differing interpretations. For over two centuries, figures ranging from presidents to activists have turned to his works to address pivotal national conflicts. This connection began in pre-Revolutionary America, where Hamlet's soliloquy—"To be or not to be"—was used by both supporters of British rule and revolutionaries. Shapiro explores Shakespeare's vital role in American history, highlighting instances such as John Quincy Adams’s views on race through Othello, the rhetoric of Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth, and the cultural impact of Shakespeare in Love during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. He also discusses the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare, noting how a production of Julius Caesar depicting a Trump-like figure sparked outrage in media outlets. With style and expertise, Shapiro argues that few artists illuminate pressing American issues—like immigration, same-sex love, political violence, and class warfare—better than Shakespeare. Understanding his plays' roles in our history may help us heal our divided nation.