Kazuko Matsuoka, "Reading with 'Things': Introductory Shakespeare" - This and that of Shakespeare's works that you will enjoy more if you notice them!
This time, we would like to introduce "Reading with 'Things': An Introduction to Shakespeare" written by Kazuko Matsuoka and published by Chikuma Shobo in 2012.
Let's take a quick look at the book.
Various "objects" appearing in Shakespeare's plays clearly reveal the intentions behind 37 plays written 400 years ago. The author, who has translated the "Shakespeare Series" directed by Yukio Ninagawa at the Saitama Arts Theatre, introduces an easy way to enjoy "the world's most familiar classic" with the keen sensitivity of an author who has witnessed countless rehearsals for the plays.
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You can read more about the author, Kazuko Matsuoka, on this blog, as well as her Shakespeare works and books.Shakespeare in All Seasons., ,Shakespeare in Depth"and others.
As mentioned in the book introduction above, Ms. Kazuko Matsuoka has translated all of Shakespeare's works. In this book, Ms. Matsuoka discusses interesting "objects" for each work in "Reading by Objects: An Introduction to Shakespeare".
Here is the table of contents of the book. As you can see, all kinds of works are covered. And when I say maniacal, I mean quite maniacal (laughs). If you don't read carefully, you will find a lot of things that you would pass by even if you read the works.
But once you have read the book and become aware of its existence, you will surely see the work in a different light. You will be able to see what kind of message Shakespeare entrusted to the work through the "things".
Seemingly trivial things" that we have passed by until now actually have important meanings. Whether or not you realize this, the way you see the work will change considerably. This book is highly recommended if you want to think about Shakespeare's skillful storytelling.
I was particularly impressed with the book'sHamlet."This is a chapter of the "Hamlet" series. It may be a bit odd to choose "Hamlet" here, but I still want to introduce it to you! It was such an interesting commentary. I quote a part of it here.
Hamlet holds a pen and a sword.
Hamlet has a book and a skull.
There is no other example in which the props held in the hands of a character in a play so directly express the character of that character. I think it is fair to say so. (omitted).
Hamlet is a man who writes, reads, philosophizes, and wields a sword. In other words, he is both a man of knowledge and a fighter with his body. As Ophelia says at the end of "The Nunnery," Hamlet has "the eyes, the rods, and the sword of a courtier, a warrior, and a scholar. The pen, the sword, the book, and the skull are all indicative of this. (omitted).
The highly symbolic objects that Hamlet holds in his hands are eloquent witnesses to his multifaceted appeal.
Chikuma Shobo, Kazuko Matsuoka, "Reading with 'Things': An Introduction to Shakespeare," p. 35-39
In the middle part of this quote, the meaning of the pen and sword, book and skull is specifically discussed, which is very interesting! Unfortunately, I could not quote the full quote here because it would be too long, but if you are interested in Shakespeare, this is a commentary that you should definitely read.
When we think of Shakespeare's works, we tend to focus on the eloquent lines and dramatic storylines, but in this book, we learn that these small "things" are actually as eloquent as the lines.
However, although the title of this book says "Introduction to Shakespeare," I think it would be quite difficult for someone who has never read Shakespeare's works to read this book as an introductory book. It is a book for those who have read some of Shakespeare's works and know the contents, and then realize, "Oh, that's what that was all about! After you have read some of the works and know the contents, you will realize "Oh, that's what it's all about!
And as you can see in the picture in the table of contents above, this work covers all of Shakespeare's works. Each of them is an independent essay, so I think it is possible to choose a work that you have read or are interested in and read through it. Of course, it would also be fun to start reading from the beginning and go to a work and say, "Oh, this work looks interesting.
This is a wonderful book that will give you a chance to enjoy Shakespeare's works more. Why not pick up a copy?
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