“the rest is …”: Shakespeare and Online Fan Fiction

Abstract

This chapter focuses specifically on Shakespeare fan fiction published online. Aimed particularly at those scholars who might be unfamiliar with this type of writing, the chapter argues in favor of understanding fan fiction on its own terms and according to its own tropes and genres. As a type of writing produced by fans and for fans, fan fiction has a number of unique identifying features. Examining fan fiction in the context of Shakespeare criticism and adaptation more generally, this chapter argues against viewing fan fiction as a radical break with or antithesis to academia, as it often does the work of criticism and adaptation by slightly different means. Additionally, Shakespeare’s place in the education system complicates prevailing assumptions about who writes fan fiction and why.