Shakespeare's Plays: Unveiling Science, Religion, and Nature's Representation

The concept of "natural philosophy" during Shakespeare's era encompassed what we now recognize as science, philosophy, and religion. This interdisciplinary approach significantly influenced William Shakespeare's writings, as demonstrated by Professor Kitch's research. Kitch, a professor of English, conducted extensive studies at the Huntington Library in California, uncovering previously unnoticed intellectual influences on Shakespeare's work.

Shakespeare's Unique Approach

Through his analysis of Shakespeare's plays, Kitch reveals the playwright's profound interest in scientific and philosophical ideas that often go unscrutinized. Notably, Shakespeare favored theoretical concepts over more overtly political expressions of Christianity, developing a unique form of "indirect theology" that distinguished him from his contemporaries such as Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and Thomas Middleton.

Kitch's findings are meticulously presented in his book, "Shakespeare's Theater of Nature: Science, Religion, and the Orders of Mimesis in Early Modern Europe." This scholarly work has garnered praise from prominent literary scholars like Mary Thomas Crane and Walter Cohen, who recognize its brilliance and contribution to understanding early modern literature and science.

Modes of Imitation and Representation

Beyond religious themes, Kitch explores "mimesis," the concept of imitation in representation. He argues that technological advancements such as the telescope, microscope, and printing press during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries elevated modes of representation as fundamental to scientific knowledge. These technologies not only depicted scientific ideas but also transformed representation itself into a tool for scientific inquiry.

Drawing parallels between theatrical performances and scientific representations, Kitch contends that Shakespeare's theaters should be viewed as technologies of representation in their own right. Outdoor amphitheaters like the Globe, alongside innovations like the telescope and microscope, redefined nature as both a source and object of representation, contributing to a broader rethinking of nature's meaning and uses in sixteenth-century Europe.

Nature as Source

Shakespeare's engagement with "nature as source" reflects a broader cultural and epistemological shift influenced by the Protestant Reformation and evolving questions about theology and natural philosophy. Kitch analyzes Shakespeare's works as multifaceted mirrors reflecting this historical process, showcasing how the playwright incorporated these ideas into his theatrical representations.

In conclusion, Professor Kitch's research sheds light on Shakespeare's multifaceted engagement with science, religion, and representation during a period of significant intellectual and cultural upheaval. By exploring Shakespeare's approach to these complex themes, Kitch reveals the profound influence of 'modes of imitation' and the concept of 'nature as source' on Shakespeare's creative genius.