liner

Jeremy Caplan

### Conclusion

Shakespeare was significantly influenced by the works of Michel de Montaigne, particularly through the English translation of Montaigne's essays by John Florio. The synthesis of Montaigne's philosophical inquiries and Shakespeare's artistic expression is particularly evident in several of Shakespeare's plays, including "Hamlet," "The Tempest," and "King Lear." This influence manifests through thematic parallels and direct references to Montaigne's ideas about human nature, morality, and societal constructs.

### 1. Influence on Themes and Ideas

Montaigne's writing focuses on the complexities of human experience, often critiquing abstract reasoning in favor of personal reflection and empirical understanding. Shakespeare embraced similar themes, showcasing the intricacies of human emotions and ethical dilemmas through his characters. This shared philosophical inquiry underscores the depth of Montaigne's influence on Shakespeare’s narrative fabric and character development ((10)) ((11)).

### 2. Direct References in "The Tempest"

Shakespeare's "The Tempest" contains direct allusions to Montaigne's essay "Of the Cannibals." In the play, Gonzalo's vision of an ideal society echoes Montaigne’s description of a harmonious existence devoid of European societal constructs. For example, Gonzalo expresses a desire for a world without trade, governance, or wealth, directly reflecting Montaigne's thoughts on the simplicity of life among the so-called "noble savages" in the New World.

### 3. Reflection in "Hamlet"

"Hamlet" illustrates Montaigne's impact through the character's existential contemplations, particularly concerning death and the nature of humanity. Hamlet's meditation on the essence of man and the paradox of existence resonates with Montaigne’s essay "To philosophize is to learn how to die." The play's philosophical inquiries about life's purpose and the nature of being reflect Montaigne's skepticism and introspection ((13)) ((10)).

### 4. Exploration in "King Lear"

In "King Lear," the exploration of parental relationships and the nature of authority can be traced back to Montaigne's essays, especially "Of the Affection of Fathers to Their Children." Montaigne critiques aged parents who cling to their wealth, offering a sharp commentary on familial dynamics that Shakespeare echoes in the relationship between Lear and his daughters. The character Edmund embodies the duplicitous nature of familial bonds, reflecting Montaigne’s insights on selfishness and entitlement ((17)) ((64)).

### 5. Language and Style

The linguistic stylistics of both authors reveal Montaigne's influence on Shakespeare’s use of language. Montaigne's innovative vocabulary and narrative form likely inspired Shakespeare’s poetic diction and character dialogues. This interplay of words enhances the richness of Shakespeare's characters and themes, showcasing the depth of Montaigne's impact on Renaissance literature ((7)).

### 6. Scholarly Perspectives

Scholarly discourse highlights the significance of Montaigne's influence on Shakespeare while noting the complex nature of their relationship. Some argue that while Shakespeare appropriated Montaigne's ideas for his dramatic purposes, he often redirected them to explore darker aspects of human nature, thus engaging with Montaigne's philosophy in a transformative manner rather than a mere reiteration of his thoughts ((53)).

Through these analyses, it is clear that Montaigne provided not only thematic inspiration but also a stylistic framework that Shakespeare skillfully utilized and adapted to suit his narratives.

to what extent was shakespeare influenced by Montaigne, and in which of Shakespeare's works is that influence evident?