Lincoln and Shakespeare: A Surprising Literary Parallel

Abraham Lincoln and William Shakespeare, two towering figures from vastly different eras and disciplines, may seem like an unlikely pair. However, a closer examination reveals a surprising literary parallel between these two iconic figures.

Lincoln and Shakespeare

by Sonia Vagliano Eloy

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5637 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
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Shared Themes

Both Lincoln and Shakespeare explored universal human themes in their works, such as:

• Power and Corruption: Lincoln's speeches and debates grapple with the dangers of unchecked power, while Shakespeare's tragedies delve into the corrosive effects of ambition and tyranny.
• Love and Loss: Lincoln's personal writings and speeches reveal his deep love for his family and the profound grief he endured after their deaths. Shakespeare's plays explore the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition.
• The Nature of Good and Evil: Lincoln's struggle against slavery and his belief in human equality reflect his unwavering belief in the power of goodness. Shakespeare's characters often grapple with moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions.

Language and Rhetoric

Lincoln and Shakespeare were both masters of language and rhetoric. Lincoln's speeches are renowned for their clarity, eloquence, and emotional power. Shakespeare's plays are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, intricate wordplay, and vivid imagery.

• Metaphors and Similes: Both Lincoln and Shakespeare employed metaphors and similes to convey complex ideas and create vivid mental images.
• Contrast and Parallelism: They used contrast and parallelism to emphasize key points and create dramatic tension.
• Repetition: Lincoln and Shakespeare employed repetition to reinforce ideas and create a sense of rhythm and momentum.

Literary Devices

Lincoln and Shakespeare also shared a knack for using specific literary devices to achieve their desired effects.

• Dramatic Monologues: Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and Shakespeare's "Hamlet's Soliloquy" are both examples of powerful dramatic monologues that convey deep emotions and insights.
• Foreshadowing: Both writers used foreshadowing to hint at future events and create suspense.
• Irony: Lincoln and Shakespeare employed irony to highlight the gap between reality and expectation.

Historical Context

While Lincoln and Shakespeare lived centuries apart, their shared experiences influenced their literary works.

• Civil War and Political Turmoil: Lincoln witnessed the horrors of the American Civil War firsthand, which deeply shaped his speeches and writings. Shakespeare wrote during a period of political and religious upheaval in England.
• Social Change: Both Lincoln and Shakespeare witnessed significant social change and addressed issues of race, class, and gender in their works.

Cultural Legacy

Lincoln and Shakespeare have left an enduring cultural legacy. Their works have influenced countless other writers, artists, and thinkers.

• Literature: Lincoln's speeches and Shakespeare's plays continue to be studied and performed today, inspiring generations of writers.
• Politics: Lincoln's words have been used by politicians to rally support and inspire change. Shakespeare's plays have informed political discourse and provided insights into the complexities of human nature.
• Education: Lincoln and Shakespeare's works are essential elements of many school curricula, teaching students about history, literature, and the human condition.

Though separated by time and circumstance, Abraham Lincoln and William Shakespeare share a remarkable literary parallel. Their shared themes, language, and literary devices created powerful and enduring works that continue to resonate with audiences today. Their legacies serve as a testament to the enduring power of literature to reflect and shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Author Bio

Sonia Vagliano Eloy is a literary scholar and writer with a passion for exploring the connections between literature and history. Her research focuses on the intersections of language, power, and identity in American and British literature.

Lincoln and Shakespeare

by Sonia Vagliano Eloy

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5637 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE