René Girard. A theater of envy: William Shakespeare

Abstract

The review is devoted to a book by the philosopher, culturologist, and literary critic René Girard, who famously devised the concept of fundamental anthropology with an emphasis on mimetic violence and scapegoating as cornerstones of social life and culture. His ‘mimetic theory’ constitutes one of the last big narratives of the humanities in the 21st c. A Theater of Envy is a must-read for those interested in Girard’s ‘canon’ and an unconventional interpretation of the English playwright’s oeuvre. The scholar is particularly interested in the Bard’s hypermimetic sensitivity. The book reveals a mimetic dimension in Shakespeare’s works, arguing that the playwright was always drawn to plots with mimetic potential. Following brilliant handling of complex structural models and paradoxical inversions, Shakespeare moved on and gradually lost interest in the mechanics of mimetic rivalry, focusing instead on ethical and human repercussions.