Did Shakespeare Read Aristophanes?

The question of whether or not William Shakespeare had access to the works of the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes has long been a subject of debate among scholars. This article delves into the prevalent view and seeks to challenge some of the more speculative arguments proffered by a minority of researchers.

The Historical Context of Literary Transmission

Before examining the potential influence of Aristophanes on Shakespeare, it is crucial to understand the historical context of literary transmission during the Renaissance. During Shakespeare's time, Greek literature was largely inaccessible in English. Despite Aristophanes' unparalleled contributions to comedy, there were no English translations of his work until the 17th century, specifically the 1660s with Thomas Brown's translation of The Wasps.

Shakespeare's Knowledge of Greek

Another key factor in this debate is Shakespeare's own knowledge of Greek. Historical evidence and contemporary accounts indicate that Shakespeare was not well-versed in Greek. His familiarity with classical Latin literature is more widely supported and documented. However, scholars such as Albert Baugh and Kenneth Muir argue that Shakespeare must have had access to Greek texts, though the evidence for this is largely circumstantial and indirect.

Speculative Arguments vs. Mainstream Scholarship

Interestingly, some scholars argue that Shakespeare was in fact well-versed in Greek drama. However, these arguments are highly speculative and not widely accepted within mainstream Shakespeare scholarship. These proponents often rely on parallels between Aristophanes' satirical style and Shakespeare's own plays, but these similarities can often be attributed to shared cultural elements or literary traditions rather than a direct textual influence.

Historical Evidence and Literary Analysis

Supporters of the theory that Shakespeare read Aristophanes often cite structural and thematic parallels between the works of both playwrights. For instance, the idea that the tragic figure of Sisyphus could be an influence on Hamlet has been discussed. However, such parallels can also be found in the works of other contemporary playwrights or even in earlier English literature, making a direct link to Aristophanes less compelling.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence offered by proponents is the similarity in narrative structures. Certain episodes in Aristophanes' plays, such as the use of the 'weapon-as-a-comic-prop' trope, are noted in Shakespeare's works. However, these elements are also common in other ancient and medieval texts and should not be attributed solely to Greek influence.

Conclusion

While the possibility of Shakespeare's exposure to Aristophanes remains a tantalizing theory, the evidence currently supports the view that he did not have access to Aristophanes' works before the 17th century. The lack of English translations and the historical evidence regarding Shakespeare's familiarity with Greek suggest that such an influence is unlikely. However, the debate continues as new discoveries and interpretations emerge, potentially rewriting our understanding of the Bard's literary influences.

References

For further reading and detailed scholarship, refer to the following works:

Albert Baugh, "Shakespeare and the Classics" (1952) Kenneth Muir, "Shakespeare's Usage of the Classical Traditions" (1977) Warren Dexter, "Shakespeare and the Comic Tragic Troupe" (1964)