Shakespeare and the Eighteenth-Century Novel

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Focusing on the interplay between Shakespeare and the eighteenth-century novel, this work highlights how fictional characters quoting Shakespeare significantly influenced his transformation into a revered national poet. These quotations imbue characters with emotional and moral weight, while also critiquing superficial uses of his words. By reshaping perceptions of Shakespeare's value, the novel gains cultural authority, suggesting a mutual enhancement of reputations for both Shakespeare and the novel itself. This exploration uncovers the often-overlooked impact of fiction on Shakespeare's legacy.