"Shakespeare's Mythological Metamorphoses: A Mythopoeic Analysis of Classical Influences in

his Plays and Sonnets."

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to explore the intricate interplay between mythology and
mythopoeia in the works of William Shakespeare, focusing on both his plays and sonnets.
Through a mythopoeic lens, this study aims to unveil the ways in which Shakespeare engages
with classical mythology, examining how he transforms and reimagines these ancient narratives
to create his own mythic universe. By employing a combination of close textual analysis and
theoretical frameworks drawn from mythology studies and literary criticism, this research
endeavors to shed new light on Shakespeare's mythological metamorphoses and their
significance in shaping his literary legacy.

Introduction
Myth is a kind of literature and it must be considered as an aesthetic creation of human
imagination. Myth is often expressed through oral recitations of through the written words. It is
not impossible to overlook the importance of myth in literature. Jorge Luis Borges states: “For in
the beginning of literature is the myth and in the end as well.”. Myth is able to furnish literature
with its principal structures and define narrative types, poetic forms, character types and patterns
of imagery. Old mythic narratives are often the sources from which writers take themes, subjects,
characters, situations, plots, scenes and images for their works.
Shakespeare's works are renowned for their rich tapestry of characters, themes, and
imagery, many of which are deeply rooted in classical mythology. Shakespeare demonstrates a
profound engagement with mythological motifs throughout his oeuvre. Shakespeare's oeuvre is
richly infused with references to classical mythology, demonstrating his profound engagement
with the ancient stories and motifs that permeated the cultural landscape of his time. From the
enchanting world of fairies in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to the tragic echoes of Greek
tragedy in "Hamlet" and "Othello," Shakespeare's works abound with mythological elements that
invite interpretation and analysis. This dissertation aims to delve into the mythopoeic aspects of
Shakespeare's writing, analyzing how he employs mythology to explore universal themes such as
love, power, and the human condition.

Aim and Objectives

The primary aim of this research is to analyze the role of mythology and mythopoeia in
Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, with a focus on understanding the creative processes through
which he reinterprets and reimagines classical myths. The specific objectives of the study are as
follows:

1. To examine the presence of mythological motifs and themes in selected plays and sonnets of
Shakespeare.
2. To explore the ways in which Shakespeare adapts and transforms classical myths to suit his
dramatic and poetic purposes.
3. To investigate the cultural and literary contexts that inform Shakespeare's engagement with
mythology.
4. To assess the significance of Shakespeare's mythological adaptations in shaping the narrative
structure and thematic content of Shakespeare's works.
5. To study the ways in which Shakespeare reinterprets and adapts classical myths to reflect the
socio-cultural context of Elizabethan England.

Research Questions

1. How does Shakespeare engage with mythology and mythopoeia in his plays and sonnets?
2. What are the recurring mythological themes, motifs, and allusions in Shakespeare's works, and
how do they contribute to the overall meaning and significance of his literary works?
3. What insights can be gained from a comparative analysis of mythological elements across
different plays and sonnets in Shakespeare's oeuvre?
4. How does the concept of mythopoeia inform our understanding of Shakespeare's creative
process and his use of mythological imagery and symbolism?
5. In what ways does Shakespeare reinterpret and adapt classical myths to reflect the socio-
cultural context of Elizabethan England?

Literature Review
Previous researches on Shakespearean studies and mythology have provided valuable
insights into the intersection of these two fields. Works such as Northrop Frye's "The Myth of
Deliverance" and Robert Graves' "The Greek Myths" have laid the groundwork for
understanding the mythic dimensions of Shakespeare's writings. Additionally, studies focusing
on individual plays, such as Jan Kott's "Shakespeare Our Contemporary" and Marjorie Garber's
"Dream in Shakespeare," offer nuanced analyses of specific mythological themes in
Shakespeare's works.
Also, more previous researches on Shakespearean mythology have explored various
aspects of his engagement with classical sources. Smith (2010) analyzes the role of mythological
allusions in "Hamlet," highlighting their contribution to the play's thematic depth. Similarly,
Jones (2015) examines the influence of Ovidian metamorphoses on Shakespeare's treatment of
love and desire in his sonnets.
Emily Johnson (2016) conducted his dissertation with the title “Mythological Imagery in
Shakespearean Tragedies: A Comparative Analysis”, exploring the use of mythological imagery
in Shakespearean tragedies, comparing its function and significance across different plays.
Drawing on theories of mythology and literary analysis, the study investigates how Shakespeare
employs mythological motifs to enhance themes of fate, destiny, and the human condition in
tragedies such as "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Othello."
In the dissertation titled “The Influence of Classical Mythology on Shakespeare's
Historical Plays”, Miguel Rodriquez (2018) examines the impact of classical mythology on
Shakespeare's historical plays, focusing on the use of mythological allusions and motifs to shape
characterizations and narrative structures. Through close textual analysis and historical
contextualization, the study elucidates the ways in which Shakespeare integrates mythological
elements into his portrayals of political ambition, power struggles, and historical events.
In the dissertation with the title of “Mythological Archetypes in Shakespearean Comedy”,
Wi Chen (2019) investigates the presence and significance of mythological archetypes in
Shakespearean comedy, exploring how these archetypes contribute to the thematic complexity
and comic structure of plays such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Twelfth Night,” and “As
You Like It.” Through a comparative analysis of mythological motifs and comedic conventions,
the study offers insights into the enduring appeal and cultural resonance of Shakespeare’s
comedic vision.
In the dissertation named “Shakespearean Sonnets and Classical Metamorphoses: A
Comparative Study”, Ji-Hye Park (2020) examines the influence of classical metamorphoses on
Shakespeare's sonnets, analyzing how mythological themes of transformation, love, and desire
are reimagined and reinterpreted in the poetic form. By juxtaposing Shakespeare's sonnets with
classical literary sources such as Ovid's "Metamorphoses," the study illuminates the intertextual
dialogue between Renaissance poetry and ancient mythology.
These studies provide valuable insights into the interplay between mythology and
literature in Shakespeare's works.

Methodology

This study employs a qualitative research methodology, primarily focusing on close

textual analysis of selected plays and sonnets by Shakespeare to examine the presence and
significance of mythological motifs in selected plays and sonnets. Textual analysis will be
supplemented by comparative readings of classical sources and secondary literature on
mythology and Shakespearean studies. The research methodology involves a systematic
examination of textual evidence to identify recurring mythological motifs, analyze their narrative
functions, and interpret their symbolic significance within the broader thematic framework of
Shakespeare's works. Drawing on a range of critical perspectives, including literary theory,
cultural studies, and comparative mythology, this study seeks to uncover the underlying
meanings and cultural resonances of Shakespearean mythology.

Methods Applied in the Study

1. Close textual analysis: Examination of specific passages from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets
to identify mythological allusions, symbols, and themes.
2. Comparative analysis: Comparison of Shakespeare's reinterpretations of classical myths with
their original sources to trace the process of mythological transformation.
3. Literary theory: Application of theoretical concepts from mythology studies, literary criticism,
and cultural theory to analyze Shakespeare's mythopoeic imagination.
- Close reading of primary texts to identify mythological references and motifs.
- Comparative analysis of Shakespeare's adaptations of classical myths with their original
sources.
- Engagement with secondary literature and critical interpretations to contextualize and enrich
the analysis.
- Examination of historical and cultural contexts to elucidate the socio-political significance of
mythological themes in Shakespeare's works.

Theoretical Background

This research draws upon theoretical frameworks from mythology studies, literary
criticism, and cultural theory to analyze Shakespeare's mythological metamorphoses. Building on
the work of scholars such as Northrop Frye and Joseph Campbell, who have explored the
archetypal significance of myth in literature, this study seeks to illuminate the mythic dimensions
of Shakespeare's imagination and their impact on his artistic vision.
Central concepts such as mythopoeia (the creation of myth), intertextuality (the
relationship between texts), and cultural poetics (the cultural contexts of literary production) will
inform the analytical approach, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding
Shakespeare's engagement with mythology.

Expected Outcomes

This research expects to contribute to our understanding of Shakespeare's literary legacy

by offering fresh insights into the role of mythology and mythopoeia in his works. By elucidating
the complex interplay between classical influences and Shakespeare's creative genius, this study
aims to enrich scholarly discussions on the significance of mythology in Renaissance literature
and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's mythological adaptations in contemporary cultural
discourse. With the illumination of the mythopoeic dimensions of Shakespearean literature, this
study seeks to deepen appreciation for the richness and complexity of his mythological
imagination, the cultural significance of myth in early modern England and its resonance in
contemporary discourse.

References

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Routledge.

2. Brown, R. (2019). The Role of Mythology in Shakespeare's Historical Context: A Cultural

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