We know that Shakespeare appears in far more than one hundred works of fiction. Indeed, we have discovered more than 500 appearances thus far. There may very well be others not yet dreamt of in our philosophies. Let us know!
We want to involve as many Shakespeare lovers as possible, so please add your favorite to the list — and tell us a little bit about Shakespeare’s role in it.
- Title
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- What manner of man is Shakespeare in this work? (using 150 words or less)
If we choose to publish your suggestion, we will email and let you know. We will not use emails for any other reason.
Pocahontas II: Journey to the World. Disney, 1998.
William Shakespeare makes a cameo appearance and sings a song “What a day in London.” I suppose you could characterize his role as “actor” in this one. Pretty minor, but shows his staying power and appeal to all ages. Oh, and we should make it clear that the real Shakespeare would not have been singing with Pocahontas arrived in London—because he had died 20 days earlier. (She arrived on June 12, 1616.)
Character type: Upon the Boards
My Name Is Will, by Jess Winfield (of the Reduced Shakespeare Company), Hachette, 2008.
Shakespeare is confused, as is his modern counterpart. Helped by psychedelic mushrooms, an 18-year-old Will Shakespeare and a modern-day California college student’s lives and destinies cross back and forth unexpectedly, like a rough-woven cloth. It has time travel, religion, a cheesy Renaissance Faire, and lots and lots of puns. What more could anyone looking for the Bard “by the book” want?
Character type: Not of an Age
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There is a silly and fun play called “William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead”
It is a play in which the black plague is actually a zombie apocalypse. The play takes place in Elizabethan England at the globe theatre. William Shakespeare is the main character, and is a young struggling playwright. Shakespeare and Zombie movie enthusiast alike will enjoy this show.
William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead by John Heimbuch
Published by Samuel French, Copyright 2012
ISBN 978-0-573-70014-9
Character type: Upon the Boards
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Though Shakespeare, the actor, was obviously heterosexual, hia writings include many gay elements. So, if someone else wrote the works, this would make sense. My novel, The Shakespeare Conspiracy (by Ted Bacino, AuthorHouse, 2010) is historically accurate but wildly exciting. Yes, if Marlowe faked his own death and wrote the works, it would suddenly all be clear. The book contains a lengthy supplement to verify how and why Marlowe was the author. The novel has been made into a stage play that has had successful productions in Columbus, the Chicago area, Fort Lauderdale and Rockford University. The movie versions has been optioned twice but not produced.
Character type: Greatness Thrust Upon Him
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Aegypt [now retitled as The Solitudes], by John Crowley. Bantam Books, 1987
The novel includes a character, Fellowes Kraft, who’s a historical novelist. One of his books is called Bitten Apples, and tells the story of how young Will Shakespeare, who was intended by his father to escape to the Continent with his recusant schoolmaster and study for the priesthood, instead runs off with James Burbage’s acting troupe, which is visiting Stratford. (He has a beautiful singing voice.) Will joins Burbage’s team of boy actors, and performs in the masque put on by Philip Sidney, The Lady of May playing the Pedant. The Queen asks if he has his Master’s degree. “I have it honorificabilitudinitatibis.” Having lost his beautiful voice at adolescence, he returns to Stratford, planning to be a glover and hoping his adventure in London will be forgotten.
Character type: Upon the Boards
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