Shakespeare and the Modern Poet - Close Readings of Influence

In this review of Shakespeare and the Modern Poet, the reviewer finds a focused scholarly study ideal for readers who want rigorous analysis rather than a general survey. Neil Corcoran traces how Shakespeare shapes major twentieth-century poets and reveals surprising lines of poetic dialogue; the single biggest reason to buy is its close readings that link Shakespearean texts to the work of Yeats, Eliot, Auden, Hughes and Plath in sustained, theoretically aware ways. This is a review for those seeking depth on influence and reception rather than a casual introduction.

Key Features

• Focused scope: Concentrates on five central poets so each chapter develops sustained comparisons rather than brief mentions.
• Close readings: Offers detailed textual analysis that illuminates how specific Shakespearean passages reappear or are reworked in modern poems.
• Critical context: Frames readings within contemporary theoretical debates to show how reception shapes interpretation.
• Interpoetic approach: Maps relationships among Yeats, Eliot, Auden, Hughes and Plath as they engage Shakespeare, exposing combative and sympathetic lines of influence.
• Readable scholarship: Balances academic depth with clear prose so informed readers can follow complex arguments without excessive jargon.

Who It's For

This book is best for graduate students, teachers and serious readers of modern poetry who want a concentrated study of Shakespeare's influence on twentieth-century verse and criticism. Scholars researching intertextuality or reception history will find the close readings and theoretical framing particularly useful.

Readers seeking a broad history of Shakespeare in world literature or a beginner's introduction to all modern poets should look elsewhere; this work assumes familiarity with the named poets and prioritizes depth over encyclopedic breadth.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough close readings that clarify how Shakespearean figures and lines are reworked by modern poets.
• Clear emphasis on interpoetic relationships that makes the book more than a list of influences.
• Engages contemporary theoretical debates, giving the study current critical relevance.

Cons

• Not a general introduction; readers without prior knowledge of the poets discussed may find it demanding.

Specifications

Title	Shakespeare and the Modern Poet
Author	Neil Corcoran
Subject focus	Shakespeare's influence on twentieth-century poets
Featured poets	W. B. Yeats, T. S. Eliot, W. H. Auden, Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath
Approach	Close readings and reception history
Critical emphasis	Interpoetic relationships and contemporary theory

Our Verdict

Shakespeare and the Modern Poet is a compelling scholarly study for readers who want focused, rigorous analysis of influence rather than a broad survey; its close readings and interpoetic framing make it good value for teachers and researchers seeking fresh insight into how Shakespeare shaped major twentieth-century poets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover many poets?
It concentrates on five poets in depth rather than offering a comprehensive list of all modern poets influenced by Shakespeare.

Is prior knowledge required?
Yes; the study assumes familiarity with Yeats, Eliot, Auden, Hughes or Plath and with basic Shakespearean texts to follow the arguments easily.

Is the book theoretical or close-reading based?
Both: the book pairs detailed close readings with engagement in contemporary theoretical debates about influence and reception.