“We know what we are, but know not what we may be”: Victorian Adaptations of the Shakespearean Gaze

In considering Victorian adaptations of William Shakespeare, critics have long studied literary references to him as a sign of his popularity as a cultural figurehead. This thesis argues that Shakespeare played a larger role in Victorian writing as a symbol for social change. Through historical research and close readings of the texts, it becomes apparent that in adapting Shakespeare, Victorian authors purposefully wove him into writings that were intended to bring attention to social problems. Shakespeare originally brought focus to certain types of characters, such as women, servants, Jews, and other victims in his work by directing the gaze and attention of the audience to them. The Victorians then adapted these figures and put them in the forefront of their work. The analysis reveals that Shakespeare was not a stagnant reference, but rather, adaptations of him were specifically tied to advancement in society.