ABSTRACT
The literary pedigrees of the commissioned authors are unassailable, but the quality of the texts presented varies widely. The novels introduce modern topics into the classic works, which require substantial alterations in plot and characterisation. They work best when they retain the challenging issues confronted in Hogarth Shakespeare’s early modern works. Some of the pieces introduce new settings or altered characterisations that contribute to powerful modern texts, but others fall flat. The chapter investigates significant ways these distinguished authors reconceptualise Shakespearean drama, with a particular focus on the distinctive roles played in the narratives by shifts in prominent geographical spaces and by potentially disruptive socio-political perspectives. The narrative derails when Felix decides to start bringing his Shakespearean expertise into a local correctional facility, aptly called “Fletcher” in honour of Shakespeare’s contemporary playwriting colleague. Anne Tyler’s decision to eliminate the complexities fuelling Shakespeare’s drama leaves the narrative without sufficient challenges to merit lasting attention.
