The world of dark academia – a blend of intellectual pursuits, mystery, and a dash of gothic romance. If you think this aesthetic is confined to dusty libraries and ivy-clad universities, think again. Shakespeare, the original drama king, was all over this trend centuries before it had a name. Let us dive into the story-teller’s works and uncover the dark academia vibes that make his plays so endlessly intriguing.
- The Gothic Atmosphere in Shakespearean Settings
Shakespeare knew how to set a scene that would make even the most hardened goth swoon. Castles, forests, and spooky islands? Check.
- Macbeth: Picture Scotland, but with extra gloom. With witches stirring cauldrons and castles dripping with intrigue, Macbeth has all the trappings of a dark academic fever dream. The scenery alone is worth the price of admission.
- Hamlet: Elsinore Castle is not exactly a cheerful place. Ghosts, plots, and a hero who spends more time brooding than acting? It is a dark academia paradise. Plus, the whole “something is rotten in the state of Denmark” thing really sets the mood.
- The Pursuit of Knowledge and its Consequences
In dark academia, the quest for knowledge often comes with a side of peril. Shakespeare’s characters are no strangers to this concept, often finding that their intellectual curiosity leads them down some pretty dark paths.
- The Tempest: Prospero, the OG magician-scholar, uses his arcane knowledge to bend an entire island to his will. It is all fun and games until you realise he is basically in exile because of it. Knowledge is power, but it is also a bit isolating.
- Macbeth: Our man Macbeth cannot resist the witches’ tempting prophecies. Spoiler alert: things do not end well. His quest for knowledge (and power) leads to a classic tale of murder, madness, and more ghosts than can be found in a haunted house.
- Complex Characters and Moral Ambiguity
Shakespeare’s characters are the very definition of complicated. They are like those classmates who seem perfect but have a secret dark side. Their moral ambiguity fits perfectly within the dark academia aesthetic.
- Hamlet: The poster child for existential crisis. Hamlet’s deep dives into philosophy and revenge make him the quintessential dark academic. He is always pondering the big questions – like whether to be or not to be – while skulking around in black.
- Iago (Othello): If there was a dark academia club, Iago would be president. He is intelligent, manipulative, and fascinated by human flaws. His scheming reveals just how dark the pursuit of knowledge can become.
- The Intersection of Life and Death
What is dark academia without a touch of mortality? Shakespeare’s plays are rife with contemplations on life and death, often in the most poetic of ways.
- Hamlet: From the iconic “To be or not to be” soliloquy to the macabre musings in the graveyard scene, Hamlet gives us all the philosophical contemplation on death we could ask for. It is like a gothic meditation retreat.
- Romeo and Juliet: Star-crossed lovers and a series of unfortunate events lead to an ending that is as tragic as it is beautiful. Their story is a reminder that life and death are always entwined, especially when you are a teenager in love in a Shakespeare play.
- Secret Societies and Hidden Motives
Secretive plots and hidden agendas? Shakespeare wrote plays on these long before secret societies became a staple of dark academia.
- Julius Caesar: The ultimate club of conspirators, each with their own motives. The plot to take down Caesar is a masterclass in secret scheming and the high-stakes consequences of political intrigue.
- Othello: Iago’s backdoor dealings and shadowy machinations drive the plot. He is like a dark academic who uses his smarts for evil instead of impressing his professors. The unseen forces at work make for a gripping tale of deception and betrayal.
Shakespeare’s knack for complex themes, moody settings, and morally grey characters aligns perfectly with the dark academia aesthetic. His plays are like a timeless syllabus for those who crave a blend of intellectual challenge and gothic charm. So next time you are curled up with a candle and a cup of tea, diving into Shakespeare might just be the perfect way to indulge your dark academic soul.
