Which Shakespearean Character Best Emulates Donald Trump?
The question of which Shakespearean character best represents the political and personal personas of figures like Donald Trump or Boris Johnson has long been a topic of fascination. In this article, we'll dive into various characters from Shakespeare's plays to try and find the perfect match for Trump. We'll explore the personalities, behaviors, and even the linguistic styles of these characters to understand which one most closely aligns with the American President's public image.
Julius Caesar and the Betrayal Mentality
Several people have suggested that Trump would see himself as Julius Caesar. The comparison is valid. Caesar, renowned for his leadership and eventual assassination, shares some parallels with Trump's meteoric rise in politics and his controversial departure from office. Both were betrayed and both had a sense of being greatly wronged. Trump often portrayed himself as a man betrayed, especially in his Final Remarks and subsequent legal battles.
The Pompous Buffoon: Malvolio
Others have suggested that Malvolio from Twelfth Night might be a better representation. Malvolio is a pompous and self-important character, constantly trying to enforce rules and asserting his authority over others. His arrogance and lack of humor make him a fitting comparison to Trump, who often sees himself as a rule-maker rather than a follower. The line 'I have yet to see him in yellow stockings' alludes to the famous scene where Malvolio becomes obsessed with a ridiculous image due to a love letter. Trump's penchant for making impromptu decisions without much forethought can be similarly amusing or frustrating.
Falstaff: The Blatherskite and Scaramouch
Falstaff from Henry IV and Henry V is another contender, particularly in the view of critics like Amol Rajan. Rajan's use of the words 'jeremiad' and 'every Falstaff eventually becomes a Lear' highlights the continuous nature of Trump's public discourse. Falstaff is known for his verbosity and his lack of substance, which accurately reflects parts of Trump's public persona. This character is a blatherskite (one who talks a lot without saying anything of importance or sense) and a scaramouch (a cowardly buffoon), traits that certainly resonate with many of Trump's critics.
Bottom: The Drunk and Foolish Character
Bottom from Midsummer Night's Dream is a possible contender for several reasons. Bottom's humor is often more comic than malicious, and his role as a simple workshop actor who believes himself a noble character fits with Trump's perceived sense of self-importance. However, Bottom’s drunken behavior and humor can be seen as a reflection of Trump's impulsive and sometimes controversial actions. The line, "I have a device to make all well" could be seen as a nod to Trump's numerous policy proposals that often lack realistic execution, such as his ￡350 million proposal for the NHS, which later proved to be an exaggeration.
Prince Hal/Henry V: The Transformation
Some argue that Trump might see himself as Prince Hal from Henry IV, who ultimately transforms into the noble king Henry V. This perspective is intriguing given Trump's perceived transformation from businessman to public figure and eventual presidential contender and then president. However, the current state of affairs suggests that Falstaff might be a more accurate character for Trump given the latter's continuous blather and scaramouche nature, while Julius Caesar represents the betrayed leader.
Caliban: The Ugly and Absurd
Finally, Caliban from The Tempest is a standout. Caliban is monstrous, ugly, and absurd, a creature born of the whims of the other characters. He also shares similarities with Trump's public discourse, as he readily falls into absurd plots and notions. The line, "You taught me language and my profit on’t is / I know how to curse." captures the essence of Trump's use of language and his willingness to provoke with colorful invectives. Trump's desire to pursue and impregnate women, specifically in the case of Miranda from The Tempest, is reminiscent of Caliban's desire for Prospero's daughter.
Conclusion
Comparing Shakespearean characters to contemporary politicians can be a fascinating exercise. Whether it's the self-important Malvolio, the blathering Falstaff, the transformational Prince Hal, or the absurd and monstrous Caliban, there are several characters that fit the complex and often contradictory nature of Donald Trump's public persona. Each character provides a unique lens through which to view Trump's actions and words, offering insight into his character and the reactions of those around him.