The African Imprint in Shakespeare

Abstract

Abstract

en Does the study of sources underlying William Shakespeare's dramas depend on a legacy of colonialism? Studies of this kind have hardly looked beyond European texts in languages that Shakespeare supposedly could read. If any records originating outside Europe are considered as possible source materials, they tend to be marginalized or appropriated within the cultural orbit of the continent. But is it accurate to assume that Shakespeare's achievements are mainly inspired by European textualities? This essay explores the proposition that much of Shakespeare's dramatic oeuvre would be unthinkable without African imprints. These are mainly (a) non-classical African mythical or geographical narratives, and (b) literary or historiographical texts written earlier with northern African origins. It is only now becoming visible how type (a) has a likely impact on early modern drama. Considering (b) in conjunction with this enables a new perspective on Shakespeare's art. We also have type (c): legacies of knowledge culture originating in Africa that leave profound marks on early modern literature. Should we begin regarding much of Shakespeare's work as being inherently non-European in origin — the opposite of what is generally assumed? Though limited in scope, this essay presents some salient evidence.