representation of Shakespeare as an author in John Madden's

Essay from the year 2006 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,7, Australian National University, course: Shakespeare on Film, language: English, abstract: The works of William Shakespeare are present in today's culture and known by a large part of Western society. They have been the object of various adaptations in theatres, ballets, operas and movies. John Maddens film Shakespeare in Love takes on a new perspective in the line of Shakespeare movies and seeks to display the life of William Shakespeare himself. The screenwriters' depiction of the "e;Immortal Bard"e; however sets itself apart from the image of a literary genius that the name Shakespeare evokes today. Thereby, the film raises questions about the very concept of authorship itself: the romantic notion of authorship that art comes from life is opposed to a very down-to earth conception where authorship is primarily labour, a way to earn a living. In the course of the film, William Shakespeare discovers himself and is transformed by the experience of love into the genius of literary mythology. Furthermore, the screenwriters present their answer to the question who the real author of Shakespeare's works was by scattering details that are known about Shakespeare's life throughout the film. These appear to explain several mysteries about the playwright's identity.