Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / The dissertation examines adaptations of Shakespearean plays in the operatic libretti of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), who dominated Italian opera in the second half of the nineteenth century. Although Verdi relied on the assistance of librettists with all his operas, he maintained scrupulous control over the textual details. The primary focus is on the triangle formed by Shakespeare, Verdi, and the librettist with considered attention to the ways in which a dramatic crux, or challenge, will both differ from and be cognate with an operatic crux. The monograph explores original Shakespearean sources, literary and musicological criticism, and the impact of historical circumstances on the genesis of Verdi's Shakespearean libretti. A brief biographical account of the composer is followed by a synopsis of the development of opera and an overview of the role of the librettist. It then addresses the distinguishing features of Shakespeare's writing that need to be considered when assessing adaptations of his plays into libretti. The second, third, and fourth parts of the study focus respectively on the three operas: Macbeth (1847) written with librettist Francesco Piave, Otello (1887), and Falstaff (1893), the latter two written with Arrigo Boito. Additional research includes new evidence regarding Verdi's unfinished Re Lear. The three complete operas are examined in close textual comparison with their original sources. Particular attention is given to the translations used in the libretti; textual and plot conformity; replication of rhyme and meter; diction and syntax; character portrayal and replication; and distinctions between dramatic and operatic settings. The study also compares different editions of the plays upon which the operas were based, as well as various editions of correspondence. The conclusion assesses Verdi's contribution to Shakespearean adaptation and the subsequent implications for the task of the librettist in creating a quality text that enhances, rather than detracts from, the composer's effort. / 2031-01-02

This dissertation offers fairly full readings of three early Shakespearean comedies. Because these works are still partly misunderstood, it has seemed reasonable to lay the critical emphasis on explication, though a certain amount of judging has been inevitable. The aim has been to induce recognition of aspects of these plays to which much modern criticism has seemed opaque.

Timon of Athens has been the subject of conflicting interpretations and evaluations. Those who have found it somewhat unsatisfactory have outnumbered those who have approved it. To explain its more troubling features critics have advanced two theories: first, that the play is written by Shakespeare in collaboration with another author; and second, that the play is all Shakespeare's but lacks final revision. This thesis reviews the critical history of the play, supporting the current general tendency to reject the theory of dual authorship and seeing design in the form of the play and consistency in the development of character and plot. The writer investigates the themes presented in the play, noting relationships to themes in other plays of the canon. The marked similarities in ideas, imagery, and diction between Timon of Athens and other Shakespearian dramas supports the view of those who regard the play as entirely Shakespeare's. In particular, the treatment given the themes of justice, mercy, grace, and regeneration and the manner in which death is shown to affect character demonstrates that the play is a link between the tragedies and the final tragi-comedies. The writer believes that the play is satisfactory and understandable if it is regarded as depicting the movement of the soul from the finite to the infinite conception of being. Timon is accordingly viewed as a type of Everyman. Biblical imagery and echoes are noted, particularly those lines recalling passages (in both the Old and New Testaments) dealing with atonement. The principal characters of the play, other than the soldier Alcibiades and the faithful steward, exemplify various phases of worldliness and material-mindedness. Alcibiades stands in a special relationship to Timon in that he remains loyal to him, punishes Timon’s enemies, purges the state, and finally restores order. However, Alcibiades is not above criticism for his actions involve the evils of civil war and disease. The steward, also, remains loyal to Timon. Through his pure love he is able to touch Timon and thus penetrate his misanthropy. As Timon grows towards death there are hints of his moving into a state in which sin is absolved and all faults forgiven. Some attention has been given to the stage history of Timon of Athens, in particular to the 1965 Royal Shakespeare Company production which proved theatrically successful. The treatment of themes similar to those of Timon in other plays is discussed from a theatrical point of view in an attempt to explain the greater popularity with theatre audiences of plays such as King Lear. / Arts, Faculty of / English, Department of / Graduate

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Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Typescript, etc. / Digitized by Kansas State University Libraries

Thesis (M.A.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, 2014.

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