“In designing the scenery and costumes for any of Shakespeare’s plays, the first thing the artist has to settle is the best date for the drama. This should be determined by the general spirit of the play more than by any actual historical references which may occur in it.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“In designing the scenery and costumes for any of Shakespeare’s plays, the first thing the artist has to settle is the best date for the drama. This should be determined by the general spirit of the play more than by any actual historical references which may occur in it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde discusses the process of designing scenery and costumes for Shakespeare’s plays, arguing that the most important consideration is not the historical period the play is set in, but rather the overall spirit or mood of the drama. Wilde suggests that the visual elements of a production should serve the emotional and thematic essence of the play, rather than strictly adhering to the historical accuracy of the era in which the play is set. By focusing on the spirit of the play, the artist has the freedom to interpret the themes and emotions in a way that speaks to the universal and timeless qualities of Shakespeare’s work, rather than being constrained by the exact historical details.
Wilde’s perspective reflects his belief in the aesthetic over the literal. For him, the artistic value of a play is best served when the production is not bogged down by strict historical realism but instead captures the emotional truth and mood of the piece. This approach gives the artist greater freedom to creatively interpret Shakespeare’s works in ways that resonate with modern audiences, while still staying true to the universal themes in the plays.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the creative freedom in interpreting classic works of art, especially in theatre, film, and design. It suggests that while historical references and accuracy can be important, the emotional and thematic core of a work should ultimately guide the artist’s choices. Wilde’s words encourage us to approach classical works with an open mind, focusing on the timelessness of the themes rather than getting caught up in exact historical details.
