Why are so many of Shakespeare’s plays set in Italy?



Some of Shakespeare’s plays were rather controversial in their times as they criticised powerful leaders. Had the plays been set in England, he may have faced repercussions for his work. Placing them in Italy was a very clever strategy that allowed him to express his opinions without censorship.

Are all of Shakespeare’s plays set in Italy?

While many of his 38 plays were set in ‘this sceptred isle’ of Britain, 13 of them were based or part-based in the sunnier climes of Italy.

Why did Shakespeare set so many of his plays abroad?

1. He couldn’t get away with writing plays that criticized Kings and rulers in his own country and time. 2. Many of the plays Shakespeare wrote came from traditional stories and required a specific setting outside of the UK.

Where were most of Shakespeare’s plays set?





Italy

Italy. Next to England, Italy is the most popular setting of Shakespeare’s plays. Eight of his plays take place in various locations around that Mediterranean country.

Why did Shakespeare choose Venice?

It was, in a sense, the capital of Europe. It was exciting and modern, a centre of art and music. It was a place of wealth and pleasure. It stood at the crossroads of the world, where all trade routes converged.

Why did Shakespeare set his play in Italy rather than England?

Some of Shakespeare’s plays were rather controversial in their times as they criticised powerful leaders. Had the plays been set in England, he may have faced repercussions for his work. Placing them in Italy was a very clever strategy that allowed him to express his opinions without censorship.



Why is Romeo and Juliet set in Italy?



Shakespeare draws on contemporary stereotypes about Italy to create the world of Romeo and Juliet . Due to the influence of Petrarch and other Italian writers, Italy was believed to be a country where romance was valued very highly.

Is Shakespeare popular in Italy?

Shakespeare loved Italy. A third of the Bard’s plays were set wholly or partially in the country, with locations ranging from Sicily to Rome to Venice. Even in those plays set elsewhere, he often couldn’t resist an allusion to Italy – often to praise its art or to comment on the bitter wars between its city-states.