An Analysis of Laura Bohannan's Paper on Shakespeare

Laura Bohannan's essay, "Shakespeare in the Bush," is a fascinating dive into how Shakespeare's works hold up across different cultures. In her essay, Bohannan shares her experience trying to tell the story of "Hamlet" to the Tiv people in West Africa. Her story gives us a rich look at how different cultures interpret literary texts, shaking up the idea that Shakespeare's themes are understood the same way everywhere. Bohannan’s essay shows how tricky cultural translation can be and why we shouldn't assume everyone shares the same human experience.

Cultural Relativity and the Universality of Shakespeare

At the heart of Bohannan's essay is a big question: Are Shakespeare's themes understood everywhere, or do they depend on specific cultures? Bohannan starts off thinking Shakespeare's appeal is universal, a belief she's picked up from her academic background. But when she tells "Hamlet" to the Tiv elders, she gets reactions and interpretations that are way different from her own.

Take the ghost in "Hamlet," for example. It's a key part of the story, but the Tiv elders don’t buy it. In their culture, ghosts aren’t a thing. They think it’s more likely an omen or some kind of witchcraft. This shows how cultural backgrounds shape how we understand stories, making us question the idea that Shakespeare is universal.

Language and Meaning

Language is a big deal in Bohannan's story, showing how hard it is to translate not just words but meanings across cultures. The Tiv language doesn’t have direct words for many of the terms in "Hamlet." For instance, the idea of a "king" in Europe doesn’t match up with Tiv social structures. Bohannan’s struggle to find the right words highlights how tough cross-cultural communication can be.

Also, the subtle details of Shakespeare’s language often get lost or changed in translation. This becomes clear when Bohannan tries to explain the relationships and motivations of "Hamlet" characters. The Tiv elders see these relationships through their own social norms, leading to very different interpretations. This shows that language is more than just a neutral tool; it's packed with cultural meanings and assumptions.

The Role of the Anthropologist

Bohannan's essay also makes us think about the role of an anthropologist as someone who connects cultures. As an outsider trying to share her culture with the Tiv people, Bohannan is in a unique spot. She’s both a storyteller and a cultural translator, balancing between respecting the Tiv’s views and sticking to her understanding of "Hamlet."

You can see this in her talks with the Tiv elders. As they give their interpretations and challenge her views, Bohannan has to rethink her own assumptions. Her initial belief in Shakespeare’s universality shifts to a more complex understanding of cross-cultural communication. This change reflects a bigger theme in anthropology: the need to be self-aware and recognize the anthropologist's own position in their research.

Implications for Literary Studies

Bohannan's essay has big implications for literary studies, especially when it comes to interpreting and teaching classic texts like Shakespeare. Her experience with the Tiv challenges the idea that there’s one right way to interpret a literary work. Instead, it suggests that interpretations are shaped by cultural contexts and that many different readings can be valid.

This view encourages a more inclusive approach to literary studies, one that values diverse interpretations and recognizes the limits of forcing one cultural framework on everyone. It also highlights the need to consider the cultural specifics of literary texts and how they are received by different audiences.

In the end, Laura Bohannan's "Shakespeare in the Bush" gives us a powerful look at how culture, language, and interpretation are all connected. Through her story, Bohannan questions the idea of a universal Shakespeare and shows how cultural contexts shape our understanding of literary texts. Her essay is a great reminder of the challenges of cross-cultural communication and the importance of embracing different perspectives in literary studies.