Shakespeare's Settings
Shakespeare's settings typically stretch Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His plays spread across twelve countries, but many of them reside in what is now present Italy. There are also plays such as The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, and more in entirely fictional worlds. Some of Shakespeare's plays use specific cities to follow a historical timeline, but he wrote many plays in the region of Italy because it was an unknown land. The unfamiliarities of this land led Shakespeare to create more exotic plays and helped the audience fully understand the story's valid message.
Shakespeare has created thirteen plays to be set in Italy. He uses Italy for two reasons: it contains city-states in war and sophisticated political entities. Using Italy allowed Shakespeare to make controversial writing choices, such as the assassinations in his Julius Caesar, the bipartisan government represented in Romeo and Juliet, and the derogatives and mistreatment of women in Titus Andronicus. If Shakespeare had written these political plays based in the United Kingdom, his country would have shamed him, for "civil blood makes civil hands unclean" (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, I.I), and it could have even landed him in trouble. Italy was full of warring cities, "two households, both alike in dignity" (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, I.I) during their renaissance that started in the 1300s. Furthermore, countries were only partially developed compared to the present day, while France had been invading Italian lands. Shakespeare found the development of Italy's culture, politics, and Renaissance fascinating. Italy's government still needed to be fully developed throughout Shakespeare's time as an author. However, there always was an aspect of romance and exotic nature that provided an intriguing backdrop for his works. Although Shakespeare never left the U.K. to visit Italy, he had many reputable sources that helped his settings in Italy feel so real.
Shakespeare's use of the setting in Henry V creates a vibrant backdrop for the play's historical references. While Henry V was written to be historically accurate to a degree, it also contains a wide variety of additional dramatic elements. As the battle continues on "the sense of reckoning" (Shakespeare, Henry V, IV.I) changes throughout the play. At the same time, Shakespeare's writing style is brilliant in itself; his setting shapes the play's sense. Henry V was written in the United Kingdom to follow the historical and geographical context. The Battle of Agincourt, a significant victory for the British led by Henry, shows Shakespeare's ability to combine dramatic elements and introspective monologues. Including King Henry's speech given before the Battle of Harfleur, "once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; or close the wall up with our English dead." (Shakespeare, Henry V, III.I) Shakespeare explores the powers of leadership and the consequences of war. His writing reflects his deep understanding of political dynamics and their effects on nature. The setting mainly takes place in England, highlighting the war in parts of France and reflecting the historical narrative relevant to his own country. It encourages the audience to identify the challenges of the monarchy. Shakespeare's accuracy of setting allows for a deeper understanding of historical events.
Overall, Shakespeare's works include many different settings. Each one is carefully crafted to fit each work. Shakespeare's settings develop exclusive worlds that work side-by-side with his brilliant writing, making his works impeccable.