Monday 29 August 2011

Shakespeare in the Shadows

Each chapter in my novel Dancing in the Shadows of Love begins with a quotation from one of the greatest writers ever to have lived: William Shakespeare.

Within the quote lies the essence of the chapter it introduces; each quote hints at the arc the character follows as they grow throughout the novel. 


For those of you who like to source their quotes, you'll find a complete list of the quotes used, which of Shakespeare's plays it comes from and the full quote on the Dancing in the Shadows of Love blog


So, what do you think? If you've read the novel, do you think each quote accurately reflects what happens in the chapter? And did you notice that the all the sub-heading quotes - except the last chapter - are from the tragedies? Why do you think the last chapter is the only one which has a quote from a comedy?

“Charity itself fulfils the law,

And who can sever love from charity?”
   (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Act IV, Sc iii, Line 363)


Next month I'll go into more detail about the significance of this quote from Love's Labour's Lost!

9 comments:

Claire Robyns said...

I loved the quotes heading each chapter and thought they were an excellent introduction and set the mood. Must admit that, while reading, I didn't consciously realise that only the last one came from a comedy. Would love to hear you go further into that

Bish Denham said...

Your book arrived over the week-end. It is next in line to be read. So...I'll have to wait to try to answer your question.

Judith Mercado said...

I suddenly feel illiterate that I did not realize that your chapter quotes were all from Shakespeare. But, perhaps that was okay since they did not scream Shakespeare and high literature and get in the way of my enjoyment of the rest of the text.

I have used quotes in my current draft novel. I'm waiting to see what my first reader opines.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

CLAIRE: I've written a post about that last quote (from the comedy) - it'll be up next month. Glad you liked the quotes.

BISH: That was a quick delivery! Enjoy it!

JUDITH: I'm very glad to hear that the quotes didn't scream Shakespeare or high literature! I wanted them to blend in subtly as part of the natural flow of the story. Congratulations again on having completed your latest draft - a big achievement (and one I still have to face. Gulp.)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. I think putting your Shakespeare quotes in is such a good idea - as I'm so uneducated - I'm now going back with a better concept and look at the quotes in the light of the story.

I love the additions you've put into the book .. the addendums at the end, the two posts you've done on the art work and on the Inspiration behind your book ..

I've been remiss at getting my review done .. I'm getting there!

Hope all is as well as can be with your parents .. with many thoughts and I bet you're all very ready for summer, as much as we are not for Autumn! Cheers Hilary

Robyn Campbell said...

Sorry I have not been by. And sorry for my misunderstanding. I just thought some eBooks could be read on the computer screen. *techno dumb dumb* I am. The idea of the quotes from William Shakespeare is wonderful, Judy. Can't wait to read your book.

I hope it had been selling like hotcakes to those who use Kindles and Nooks and the like.

Egad, I had no idea about your dad. So thankful he's all right. I had so much going on with Christopher that I didn't know. I pray he's feeling better, Judy. I will be praying for him. Every day. Christopher wants you to know he'll also be praying for your dad. Christopher and I definitely believe in the power of prayer. God is GREAT! I hope the stroke didn't cause any severe damage. We <3 you. Sending hugs and kisses to you.

Marilyn Brant said...

Judy, I love quotations at the start of a chapter, especially when they're by the Bard ;). I used a couple of his and a couple from E.M. Forster to open my Nov. book, too, and am anxious to see how the ones you selected relate to your story!

Anonymous said...

Thank is a great idea, Judy. I don't know Shakespeare all that well but the idea is intriguing.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

HILARY: All well here thanks, hope your Mum is still holding her own. No rush for the review – when you have time

ROBYN: My book is out in print as well – I finally succumbed to the cries for a paperback. Thanks for your kind thoughts & wishes for my Dad - I’m just glad that Christopher is doing so well. Please give him a BIG HUG for me and tell him I can *feel* his prayers coming our way! Xx

MARILYN: I confess that I am a sucker for quotes in a book, whether fiction or non-fiction – look forward to seeing your November release and the quotes you’ve used!

Glynis: My knowledge of Shakespeare is very spotty (I know my favourites, but the other plays l’m not so clued up on!) But when the idea first struck me about using quotes to define each chapter, somehow it flowed naturally that the Bard’s tragedies had the most appropriate words.