Eighteenth-Century Adaptations of Supernatural Shakespeare

In the cultural and highly intellectual climate of the Age of Reason, it comes as no surprise that the supernatural was under scrutiny. However, a complete denial of the persistence of beliefs in the supernatural world means neglecting a consistent part of the cultural and literary atmosphere of those years. On this note, this book investigates the fate of Shakespearean supernatural dimensions in the widespread eighteenth-century practice of “making Shakespeare fit”.Taking examples from both the “adapted” and “restored” versions of Macbeth, Hamlet and The Tempest by Davenant and Garrick, the book highlights how the contemporary attitude towards the supernatural combined with the issue of the general relationship with Shakespeare at the time. In particular, it identifies and explores two main strategies which are employed to “rationalize” the supernatural dimensions of those plays: either their omission or replacement or their aestheticization (and spectacularization). The former is nothing but a manifestation of contempt towards the supernatural which aims at exalting the rational; the latter is the result of undercover fascination which transforms the supernatural into theatrical entertainment.