Recycling Shakespeare: Séjour and Napoleon

Time is out of joint in Elizabeth Duquette’s paper as well, although the temporal disruptions she explores rely less on material practice than imperial hauntings. Recycling, understood both politically and aesthetically,... [ view full abstract ]

Time is out of joint in Elizabeth Duquette’s paper as well, although the temporal disruptions she explores rely less on material practice than imperial hauntings. Recycling, understood both politically and aesthetically, explains not only the paradoxical dynamic of presence and return that supports Napoleon’s legend and influence, but also shapes his representation in Victor Séjour’s re-writing of Richard III. Napoleon may not walk on stage in Séjour’s play, but the American dramatist nevertheless reworks the narrative to account for his success across time untethered from history.