Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics

World-renowned Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt explores the playwright’s insight into tyrannical rulers. As aging Elizabeth I clung to power, a talented playwright probed the social causes, psychological roots, and consequences of tyranny. Greenblatt illuminates how Shakespeare delved into the lust for absolute power and its catastrophic execution.

Cherished institutions seem fragile, political classes are in disarray, economic misery fuels populist anger, people accept lies, partisan rancor dominates, and spectacular indecency rules—these aspects of a society in crisis fascinated Shakespeare and shaped memorable plays. He exposed the infantile psychology and unquenchable narcissistic appetites of demagogues and the cynicism and opportunism of their enablers. As Greenblatt shows, Shakespeare’s work remains vitally relevant today.

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