Why Did William Shakespeare Opt for Italy Over England as a Setting for His Plays?

Shakespeare's plays are often thought to be set predominantly in England, but in reality, a number of his works take place in various locations around the world. While it is true that many of his plays are set in England, including notable pieces like Henry IV, Henry V, and King Lear, he also chose to set several of his plays in Italy, a choice that has sparked debate and speculation among scholars and audiences alike.

Setting Plays in a Wide Array of Locations

According to data from Shakespeare Online, out of the 37 plays in his curated canon, only four are explicitly set in Italy. These include The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, and Romeo and Juliet. Even more interesting is the fact that a dozen of his plays are set elsewhere, including Troy, Scotland, Vienna, Illyria, Greece, Denmark, France, French Catalonia, Egypt, ancient Britain, Spain, Ephesus, Turkey, and a mysterious exotic island.

Setting of The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice is a significant outlier because it is one of the few plays where Shakespeare explicitly sets the story in Italy. For instance, setting the play in a Venetian setting would look inherently incongruous if it were to take place in London, as a Venetian merchant would have very little reason to be in London. Therefore, the choice of setting is crucial to the dramatic narrative and plot development of the play. The specific Venetian setting contributes to the exotic and foreign atmosphere that is a hallmark of the play.

Choosing Italy for Romantism and Exotica

Another reason Shakespeare chose Italy as a setting is the sense of romanticism associated with it. Italy is often linked to a world of passion, love, and intrigue, making it a perfect choice for plays that focus on such themes. Romeo and Juliet is a poignant example of this, where the exotic and romantic backdrop of Verona and Vicenza provides a enchanting stage for this tragic love story. The play's romantic nature and the evocative imagery of Italian settings like Verona's balcony and the city’s historic streets certainly contributed to the play's enduring appeal and popularity.

Shakespeare’s Universal Appeal Through Globalized Settings

Shakespeare's plays were never just about the settings, but also about the characters, themes, and human relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. Even when he set plays in England, he often included elements that made the scenes feel more universal. For instance, in The Taming of the Shrew, the opening scene in a typical English pub can feel very familiar to the audience. Similarly, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, though set in Greece, introduces characters that feel distinctly English, such as the bumbling character Bottom and his companions.

Setting as a Tool for Drama and Cultural Exploration

The choice of setting in a play is a strategic tool for both dramatists and directors to convey a range of different moods, emotions, and cultural ideas. Shakespeare's plays often draw from a mix of historical and contemporary sources, blending them into stories that resonate with a wide range of audiences. By setting his plays in Italy, Shakespeare was able to create a rich, exotic, and foreign ambiance that captivated his audience. This exotic allure made the plays more thrilling and engaging, adding layers of meaning and intrigue that might not have been possible had they been set in England.

Conclusion

In summary, Shakespeare's choice to set his plays in Italy, rather than in England, was not a mere stylistic choice but a strategic one. It allowed him to create a sense of exoticism and romanticism that enhanced the dramatic tension and emotional resonance of his works. While many of his plays do indeed take place in England, the inclusion of Italy as a setting in his repertoire demonstrates his keen ability to draw on diverse cultural influences to tell compelling stories.