Wittgenstein’s posthumously published work contains several references to writers and composers. Among these remarks, the ones on Shakespeare have gained particular attention, probably because they show that Wittgenstein did not think very highly of the poet or those who admire him. In this paper I discuss the interpretations of George Steiner and Peter Lewis, who argue that Wittgenstein’s critique is inadequate and reveals a misreading of Shakespeare. My aim is to show that their reading of Wittgenstein is problematic because they do not appreciate the essential character of his remarks: Wittgenstein’s intent was not to contribute to a discussion of Shakespeare’s work but rather to comment on the culture to which the poet belongs and the way he is dealt with in that culture.

Misreadings: Steiner and Lewis on Wittgenstein on Shakespeare / Huemer, Wolfgang Andreas. - In: PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE. - ISSN 0190-0013. - 36:1(2012), pp. 229-237. [10.1353/phl.2012.0010]

Misreadings: Steiner and Lewis on Wittgenstein on Shakespeare

HUEMER, Wolfgang Andreas
2012-01-01

Abstract

Wittgenstein’s posthumously published work contains several references to writers and composers. Among these remarks, the ones on Shakespeare have gained particular attention, probably because they show that Wittgenstein did not think very highly of the poet or those who admire him. In this paper I discuss the interpretations of George Steiner and Peter Lewis, who argue that Wittgenstein’s critique is inadequate and reveals a misreading of Shakespeare. My aim is to show that their reading of Wittgenstein is problematic because they do not appreciate the essential character of his remarks: Wittgenstein’s intent was not to contribute to a discussion of Shakespeare’s work but rather to comment on the culture to which the poet belongs and the way he is dealt with in that culture.
2012
Misreadings: Steiner and Lewis on Wittgenstein on Shakespeare / Huemer, Wolfgang Andreas. - In: PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE. - ISSN 0190-0013. - 36:1(2012), pp. 229-237. [10.1353/phl.2012.0010]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11381/2440222
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