Shakespeare, Kabbalah and the responsibility about the mystery of the things

Authors

  • Carlos Roberto Bueno Ferreira Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul.
  • Claudio Levitan Newcastle University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-4301.2016.2.23755

Keywords:

Shakespeare, Kabbalah, Jewish Mysticism, Hamlet

Abstract

Can we draw a parallel between the literary technique of Shakespeare and the teachings of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah? This is the focus of this essay. Shakespeare's art allows interpretations in different depth levels. The man portrayed by Shakespeare is a being tormented and torn between the fight against their own passions and the search for greater meaning to their existence, linked to the reconnection to a higher reality. This paper attempts to point out the possible parallels between the mystical tradition of Kabbalah and some works of Shakespeare's maturity, hoping to draw the similarities between the pieces of the English playwright and the mode of interpretation of sacred texts and certain symbolisms of Kabbalah, relating to a journey of spiritual purification. In this sense, we try to point out that the mystical content is a key part of the Shakespearean work. However, this is not frivolous and excessive exotericism but a careful work that considers a genuine responsibility about the mystery of things.

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References

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Published

2016-12-31

How to Cite

Ferreira, C. R. B., & Levitan, C. (2016). Shakespeare, Kabbalah and the responsibility about the mystery of the things. Letrônica, 9(2), 403–410. https://doi.org/10.15448/1984-4301.2016.2.23755

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2016): Tecnologias no aprendizado e no ensino da leitura e da escrita & Literatura e Misticismo Judaico (Kabbalah)

Section

Literature

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