Shakespeare and the Non-Jonsonian Court Masques.

This article examines Shakespeare's interest in masques and their impact on his plays, specifically The Tempest and The Winter's Tale. It delves into the controversy surrounding the antimasque in The Tempest and Shakespeare's perspective on masques and the absolutist ideology they promoted. The article emphasizes the significance of considering non-Jonsonian masques, like those by Samuel Daniel and Thomas Campion, in comprehending Shakespeare's involvement with masquing. It highlights the personal involvement of Shakespeare and his company, the King's Men, in producing masques and collaborating with the Master of the Revels. The text explores the influence of court masques on Shakespeare's plays The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, drawing parallels between Campion's masques and certain scenes in The Winter's Tale, such as the animation of Hermione's statue. However, it advises against assuming that Shakespeare endorsed Campion's views on royal pageantry and power. The text also mentions the impact of Jonson's masques on Shakespeare's plays and suggests that further research is necessary to fully comprehend Shakespeare's engagement with masques and their ideological implications. [Extracted from the article]