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William Shakespeare

Written by Victor Hugo

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Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616Dramatists, EnglishStratford-upon-Avon (England)

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About this book

"WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE" by Victor Hugo is a literary critique and biography written in the mid-19th century. The work serves to explore the life and genius of William Shakespeare, emphasizing the interconnection between art and civilization, while also celebrating Shakespeare's impact on poetry and drama. It is a deep examination of artistic genius, with a reflective and philosophical tone. At the start of the book, the narrative presents a somber setting where a family of exiles resides in a lonely house on the island of Jersey, symbolizing the struggles of artistic individuals facing societal rejection. The father and son engage in a profound conversation about the nature of exile, leading the son to express his intention to translate Shakespeare. This opening sets up a deep exploration of Shakespeare's life, the artistic mission, and the turbulent historical context in which he lived. Victor Hugo’s admiration for Shakespeare is palpable, as he posits that mastering the challenges of art requires a profound engagement with human thought and emotion, creating a rich tapestry of reflection that will unfold throughout the book.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in William Shakespeare, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • philosophical
  • rhetorical
  • passionate

Victor Hugo's "William Shakespeare" is a monumental and impassioned philosophical essay rather than a traditional biography or literary critique. Published in 1864, it serves as Hugo's grand manifesto on the nature of genius, art, and the role of the poet in society, using Shakespeare as the ultimate exemplar. Hugo extols Shakespeare as a universal, almost divine, genius who embodies both the sublime and the grotesque, encompassing the entirety of human experience. The work is a powerful defense of Romanticism and a profound meditation on the enduring power and moral responsibility of artistic creation, framed within Hugo's expansive worldview.

“Shakespeare is the ocean.”

Key themes

The Nature of Genius
This is the central theme. Hugo posits genius as an innate, almost divine gift, not merely talent or skill. He sees it as a profound connection to universal truths and natural forces, allowing the artist to create works that are timeless and all-encompassing. Shakespeare is presented as the ultimate embodiment of this mystical, unparalleled genius, a force of nature rather than merely a man.
The Sublime and the Grotesque
A cornerstone of Hugo's aesthetic theory, this theme explores the necessary interplay between beauty, grandeur, and the divine (the sublime) and the ugly, deformed, and earthly (the grotesque). Hugo argues that true art, exemplified by Shakespeare, must embrace both to fully represent reality and humanity. The grotesque, far from being a flaw, enhances the sublime and reveals a deeper truth.
The Role of the Poet/Artist
Hugo portrays the artist as a divinely inspired figure, a 'seer' or 'prophet' who has a profound moral and social responsibility. The poet is not merely an entertainer but a guide for humanity, revealing truth, illuminating the path of progress, and shaping the moral conscience of society. Art is seen as a powerful force for change and enlightenment.

Worth discussing

How does Hugo define 'genius,' and how does this definition resonate or conflict with modern understandings?

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