- 1. In 'Shakespeare Our Contemporary,' Jan Kott presents a thought-provoking analysis of William Shakespeare's works, arguing that they resonate powerfully with modern audiences and reflect contemporary realities. Kott, a Polish theater critic and scholar, delves into the themes of power, madness, and the human condition as depicted in Shakespeare’s plays, suggesting that they transcend time and speak directly to the dilemmas faced by individuals and societies today. Through his meticulous examination, Kott highlights the dark and often absurd nature of Shakespeare's characters and narratives, drawing parallels to 20th-century existentialism and political strife. He emphasizes that Shakespeare's insights into human nature remain relevant, as they explore complex relationships, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of ambition and desire. The book not only serves as a critical guide to understanding Shakespeare's genius but also invites readers to reconsider how Shakespeare’s works can inform our understanding of current social and personal issues, making them truly our contemporary.
What is the central thesis of Jan Kott's 'Shakespeare Our Contemporary'?
A) Shakespeare should only be performed in original Elizabethan style
B) Shakespeare anticipated Freudian psychoanalysis
C) Shakespeare's works are primarily historical artifacts
D) Shakespeare's plays reflect modern existential and political struggles
- 2. What does Kott emphasize about the structure of Shakespeare's histories?
A) The Grand Mechanism of power succession
B) The supernatural elements
C) The romantic subplots
D) The comic relief
- 3. Which play does Kott use to discuss the absurdity of history?
A) The Tempest
B) A Midsummer Night's Dream
C) Romeo and Juliet
D) Richard III
- 4. What modern philosophical movement influences Kott's reading of Shakespeare?
A) Existentialism
B) Romanticism
C) Structuralism
D) Positivism
- 5. Which production was directly influenced by Kott's interpretation of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
A) Laurence Olivier's film version
B) Royal Shakespeare Company 1968
C) Broadway 1965 revival
D) Peter Brook's 1970 production
- 6. What does Kott call the repetitive pattern of power in Shakespeare's histories?
A) The Royal Pattern
B) The Wheel of Fortune
C) The Divine Cycle
D) The Grand Mechanism
- 7. Which modern writer does Kott frequently compare to Shakespeare?
A) T.S. Eliot
B) Virginia Woolf
C) James Joyce
D) Samuel Beckett
- 8. How does Kott interpret the forest in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'?
A) As a Christian allegory
B) As a political metaphor
C) As a purely magical place
D) As a dark, primal realm of desire
- 9. Which concept from modern theater does Kott apply to Shakespeare?
A) Expressionism
B) Epic Theatre
C) Naturalism
D) Theatre of the Absurd
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