Shakespeare and Christmas
The work presents a provocative thesis that Shakespeare harbored a deep-seated aversion to Christmas, a sentiment that contradicts the festive spirit typically associated with the holiday. The author argues that Shakespeare's reluctance to engage with the theme of Christmas in his plays and sonnets is indicative of this loathing. The absence of celebratory references to Christmas, despite the poet's tendency to explore a wide array of subjects, suggests a conscious avoidance. The text highlights a specific instance where Christmas is mentioned, through the character Marcellus in "Hamlet," but critiques this mention as lacking warmth and depth. The author posits that Shakespeare's portrayal of winter is rich and evocative, yet he refrains from celebrating Christmas, even when it was a significant occasion for the Queen and her court. This contradiction raises questions about Shakespeare's personal feelings towards the holiday. The author embarks on a quest to uncover the reasons behind this aversion, engaging with various intellectuals but ultimately concluding that the answer lies in a personal connection to Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, who was likely born on Christmas Day. This connection is framed as a source of pain for Shakespeare, leading to a complex relationship with the holiday that coincides with his wife's birthday. The narrative suggests that Shakespeare's reluctance to acknowledge Christmas stems from a deeper emotional conflict, as the day symbolizes both celebration and personal sorrow. The author argues that this duality reveals a tragic aspect of Shakespeare's character, portraying him as a figure grappling with profound inner turmoil. The exploration of this theme invites readers to reconsider the relationship between the poet's life experiences and his artistic expressions, ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for his work.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Essays, Biography · 1,418 words
First lines
That Shakespeare hated Christmas -- hated it with a venom utterly alien to the gentle heart in him -- I take to be a proposition that establishes itself automatically. If there is one thing lucid-obvious in the Plays and Sonnets, it is Shakespeare's unconquerable loathing of Christmas. The Professors deny it, however, or deny that it is proven. With these gentlemen I will deal faithfully. I will meet them on their own parched ground, making them fertilise it by shedding there the last drop of the water that flows through their veins.
What this Textopian page supports
Shakespeare and Christmas is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Essays, Biography, Humor, Philosophy
- Length: 1,418 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Shakespeare and Christmas by Max Beerbohm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Shakespeare and Christmas?
- How does this short story by Max Beerbohm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Criticism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The book analyzes Shakespeare's works and themes, particularly his relationship with Christmas.
- Essays — It presents a personal essay format, exploring ideas and arguments about Shakespeare's views.
- Biography — It touches on aspects of Shakespeare's life, particularly his relationship with Anne Hathaway and implications of her birthday.
- Humor — The writing style employs wit and irony, particularly in critiquing Shakespeare's treatment of Christmas.
Tags
Literary Criticism · Christmas Traditions · Shakespearean Studies · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Cultural Analysis · Historical Context · Theater History · Literary Theory · Comedy · Irony