ABSTRACT

This chapter proposes that some sources, including Holinshed, should be read as microsources, which function in two ways: firstly, they are representative of a pool of literary and historical references shared between the author and at least some members of his audience. Secondly, microsources allow the author to situate his work into a tradition of literary culture that engages, but does not faithfully adhere to, the legendary history of Britain. Microsources illustrate how William Shakespeare situates his plays within and against his audience's preconceived knowledge of British antiquity. Microsources allow the playwright to evoke other, alternative narratives, which could diverge from the primary plot of the play. The use of microsources allows the playwright to comment on the narratives and histories he manipulates; the shared knowledge between playwright and audience allows for another means of communicating between author and audience. Microsources recall what might or have happened, contrasting those alternative narratives with the playwright's chosen narrative.