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According to a new book by French academic Ghislain Muller, Shakespeare's grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Bohemia. He claims Richard Shapiro settled in England sometime after 1515, but hid his religion, assuming the name Shakespeare. Jews were banned from England during the Tudor era and were only re-admitted under Cromwell, 40 years after Shakespeare's death. "If Shakespeare, or his father or grandfather had acknowledged they were Jewish, they would have been dispossessed of all of their lands, houses and goods and probably deported," said Mr Muller.
He said that the portrayal of the moneylender Shylock – which many maintain was antisemitic – should be viewed in the context of Shakespeare's secret identity. "He could not risk being unmasked. Had he depicted a good and sympathetic Jew, he would have run the risk of this."
Originally posted at http://ukhudshanskiy.dreamwidth.org/1277755.html.
He said that the portrayal of the moneylender Shylock – which many maintain was antisemitic – should be viewed in the context of Shakespeare's secret identity. "He could not risk being unmasked. Had he depicted a good and sympathetic Jew, he would have run the risk of this."
Originally posted at http://ukhudshanskiy.dreamwidth.org/1277755.html.
