1. Nationalism in Elizabethan Literature and Modern American Applications
UROP Research Proposal for Spring 2015
Kathryn Macdonald
November 18, 2014
Faculty Sponsor: Mark Matheson, Ph.d, English Department, University of Utah
2. Nationalism in Elizabethan Literature and Modern American Applications – Macdonald 2
Background and Introduction
William Shakespeare, since the beginning of his career as a playwright has been hailed
for his keen understanding and insightful evaluation of human nature. While much of the
literature and criticism surrounding his work addresses his dialogue on the nature of love,
loyalty, greed and betrayal, many if not all of his plays held a specific concern and critique on
the social or political conventions of his time. His doubtful assessment of the justice of the
violent endeavors abroad in Henry V and the altering effect of nationalism on a society in other
plays are pointed examples of his social and political criticism. The issue of national identity and
its effects, not only on domestic and international policy, but also the common class are very
much alive in American society today. When we consider that these concerns have been being
addressed since the 16th
century, the arguments that Shakespeare and other authors pose may be
very enlightening in positively shaping personal and political paradigms affecting these issues in
the future.
My research will specifically address the effects and social conditioning of nationalism
on the English people in the Elizabethan Era, under the guidance of Professor Mark Matheson.
The central scope of the research will include Shakespeare’s work, extensive research into the
socio-cultural context of Shakespeare’s time, and the work of his contemporaries. Insight into the
effects of nationalism and its function in modern America, specifically surrounding the
motivations and support for the Iraq War will also be considered. The extensive evaluation of
both these eras will indicate the continuity of social issues that arise from making illogical or
uninformed decisions in governmental policies, based on sentiments of national pride.
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Research Objectives
The goal of this research will be to provide an enlightening perspective on the costs and
motivations of nationalism, how it can be inspired and utilized in any period and the applicable
perspectives and lessons to be learned from Shakespeare’s criticism and other authors from the
period. This study will also include an examination of modern, applicable parallels to the same
issues that Shakespeare witnessed in his time. Modern ethical concerns and parallels
between modern warfare and American policies and the monarchical legislation of Elizabethan
England, I believe, will bring a unique, insightful perspective on the continuous functions of
Nationalism and even the modern relevance of Classical literature today. It is my hope that
through this evaluation we will be enabled to make better, more reasoned judgments for the
future of our generation and generations to come.
Timeline
The general timeline of my research and thesis process, beginning in the spring, will
begin with evaluation of Shakespeare’s second tetralogy: Richard II, Henry IV: Part 1, Henry
IV: Part 2 and Henry V. The historical events preceding his work, the political circumstances
and how they affected his writing (for example, the government censorship of plays at the time)
and other readings from Shakespeare’s contemporaries will be studied under the direction of
Professor Matheson. With Professor Matheson as my mentor on this project, he will not only
help guide me in an in depth analysis of Shakespeare’s plays, but will also advise the direction of
my research of Elizabethan historical, cultural and political context as my research opens up new
ideas applicable to my goals. More modern criticism on Shakespeare’s views on war and the
costs to the lower classes under the persuasion of governmental and affluent powers will also be
researched and taken into account. My research on Elizabethan literature manifesting themes of
4. Nationalism in Elizabethan Literature and Modern American Applications – Macdonald 4
Nationalism and its effect on the plebeian class will continue throughout the semester and will
end with a rereading of Henry V.
Nationalism in the Elizabethan context will be the priority in my timetable and
objectives, but the perspectives, criticisms and effects on the classes of the time will be
compared to the modern morale of Nationalism in the United States within the last 13 years.
Nationalism, as justification for otherwise controversial or questionable actions both in warfare
and domestic policy, will be the main theme that connects these two eras. The Iraq War’s initial
reception from the public, the motivations for the soldiers who volunteered to serve in the War,
the congressional policies from Congress and the decision points of the Presidency will be
reviewed throughout the semester. Newspaper articles across the development of the war,
recorded executive and military actions, soldier memoirs and some comprehensive
documentaries will be cited and studied concurrently with my studies in the Elizabethan Era
from the beginning of the semester.
During the last of the semester, as my research will have progressed, my thesis will be
determined and corresponding analysis among Shakespeare’s works and modern examples of the
issues that Shakespeare addressed will become a written, collective discourse on the
Shakespearean relevance of Nationalism and its effects on popular culture today. Under the
supervision and counsel of Professor Matheson I am confident that it will be worthy of
publication and presentation at a scholarly venue.
Educational Objectives and Future Goals
My personal life goals are very much reflected in this research. I have always valued
education and planned on pursuing a post-graduate degree. It has been since I transferred to the
University of Utah that I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in English. I strongly believe
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that thoughtful, analytical and even impassioned analysis of classic works of literature can
influence the modern world and readers towards more sustained harmony and a greater
understanding of the human condition. My passion and curiosity for Renaissance literature
comes in abundance and the more that I have learned from my previous courses with Professor
Matheson and other Professors of the Era, the more my interest grows. The liberty that can come
from doing independent research on a specific topic that I’ve chosen, under the direction of a
personally inspiring and important scholar in that field is very meaningful for me and would be a
very rare and valued experience.
I am a full time student and am employed part-time in order to cover living expenses
during the school year. My work hours can be a hindrance to the extra time and effort I could
spend researching and nurturing my communication skills and exploration in my chosen field of
study. With this grant, I could cut my work hours up to 10 hours a week, which I could instead
use to focus on my research and build a worthy and competitive resume for graduate school and
my career. This research and the grant reward will enable me to pursue one of my lifelong goals
to help the world become more appreciative of not only the arts but also well informed and
balanced perspectives on recurring world issues, as a teacher and an influential critic. My hope is
that my research will not only address an issue that is otherwise lacking in the current literature
in Shakespearean relevance today, but will also encourage the application of a classical
education in a modern world.
