The New Historicism

"Shakespeare in Love" definitely portrays the new Historicism in many ways. In school I always learned that Shakespeare was the only author of his work, when in fact, this is not true at all. Many others contributed to the plot, dialogue, and even the titles of his work. There is also a large distinction between class, the poor and the rich. At one point in the movie, Viola asks Shakespeare if he would rather have her marry him instead of Wesex, and he makes a comment about marying a poor boy. He acknowledges the fact that he is too poor to get to the likes of her.

The New Historicism is a much more logical way to approach reading, especially Shakespeare because so many students feel they cannot relate, when infact, Shakespeare writes of love, betrayal, trust issues, political issues, and murder. These elements are in the very movies students watch today, they are just hidden behind the languageof Shakespeare's time.