Perception of William Shakespeare in The Republican Era Turkish Novel

Abstract

This study will focus on Shakespeare’s influence on Turkish literature based on Harold Bloom’s idea that Shakespeare cannot be seen simply as a Western canon, but that he is a world canon. Although the focus will be on the Turkish novels and novelists of the early Republican period, the influence of Shakespeare on modern Turkish literature will be briefly touched upon, starting with the earliest examples, and thus the literary heritage that nourished the writers of the early Republican period will be traced. In the 19th century, with the increase in Western-style theatres in Istanbul interest in Shakespeare also increased. In addition to the staging of his plays, Shakespeare is also mentioned in newspaper and magazine articles, further increasing his recognition among writers and readers. The influence of Shakespeare on the Turkish novel can be seen both in direct references and in allusions to his works regarding theme and narrative structure, starting with Turkish literature of the Tanzimat period, which developed under the influence of Western literature from the second half of the 19th century. This influence increases gradually with the introduction of lectures and academic studies on Shakespeare in universities. During the Republican period, this influence goes beyond the theatre and begins to be seen in poetry, short stories, and novels. Many writers who shaped the literature of the Republican period, such as Halide Edip Adıvar, Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu, and Peyami Safa, consider Shakespeare an important source regarding form or theme within the novel narrative. In the Turkish novel, the influence of Shakespeare is mostly seen as a direct reference to some of his characters. This is because Shakespeare’s characters reflect the universal human condition and the desire to benefit from the traits of these characters who have gained an immortal place in the minds of all readers. This study will focus on the novels of writers of the early Republican period such as Halide Edip Adıvar, Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu, Peyami Safa, Abdülhak Şinasi Hisar, and Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar. In addition, the influence of Shakespeare in the non-fiction works of these authors will also be mentioned to have a comprehensive evaluation of the reception of Shakespeare by these authors. In this study, the reception of Shakespeare in the Turkish novel of the early Republican period will be analysed on the 100th anniversary of the Republic, 400 years after the publication of the First Folio.