Summary
Harold Bloom's central argument is that William Shakespeare invented human personality. Bloom systematically examines Shakespeare's plays, using character profiles of figures like Cleopatra, Hamlet, Falstaff, and Iago to demonstrate how the Bard established the foundational representations of individual human consciousness. This book presents Shakespeare as the singular architect of our understanding of what it means to be a complex, distinct human being, shaping our perception of interiority and individuality.
The book's approach centers on the creation of these multifaceted characters, showing how their complexities and individualities were forged by Shakespeare's genius. By dissecting these iconic figures, Bloom reveals the origins of modern notions of personality, offering readers a deep understanding of Shakespeare's profound impact on Western thought and literary tradition.
Key concepts
- Invention of human personality — Shakespeare's foundational role in creating the concept and literary representation of individual human character.
- Character profiles — Detailed examinations of specific Shakespearean figures (Cleopatra, Hamlet, Falstaff, Iago) used to illustrate the invention of personality.
- Shakespeare's plays — The dramatic works analyzed as the medium through which human personality was invented.
From the book
Description: In his magnum opus, Harold Bloom guides readers through each of the Shakespeare's plays, describing--through profiles of such characters as Cleopatra, Hamlet, Falstaff, and Iago--how the Bard invented human personality. A landmark contribution, "Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human" is a book that is certain to be celebrated and read for many years to come. (Plays/Drama)
Snippet: In his magnum opus, Harold Bloom guides readers through each of the Shakespeare's plays, describing--through profiles of such characters as Cleopatra, Hamlet, Falstaff, and Iago--how the Bard invented human personality.