The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-02-15
SHAKESPEAREAN LECTURE.

First Lecture of Course by the Fan1ouse
Scholar and Critic Henry w. Clapp-
In Connection With University Eek
tension Center
1t requires almost as much exercise
of genius to interpret great poet as
to write great poetry. Not'in quite the
same direction, certainly, but of quite
equal Importance. Were it not for
Shakespeares scholars and critics it is
not too strong to say that the greatest
poet of all times would be practically
unknown.
In the First Methodist church last
evening Henry w. Clapp, the eminent
scholar and critic of Shakespeare. de-
livered the first Of course Of four lee
lures on Shapeskearen subjects. His
subject was: "The First Part of King
Henry W." A. Maxcy Hitler, presi-
dent Of the society," introduced the lee
| turef.
Mr.. Clapp first drew the attention of
| his audience to the poets power of i'm
pressing historical facts Shakespeare
greatest force as teacher lies in the
reality of his facts. Placed side by side
with the facts Of the historographer, the
poets impressions will last for all time,
while dry as dust information of the
Observation-Disclosures historians like Mr.
F'roude-will go to one side. His char
acters are real, living and human. He
sifted the truth from falsehood and
gave the true presentation, the histor
ical Interpretation of character through
the power of his God given genius.
OF the three principal characters in
the play Mr. Clapp said in part:
Shakespeare presents Bolingbroke, King
Henry Nv as an interesting character,
clever and calculating, hard, cold, sell
fish, of absolute self-control, but not
cruel like Gloucester, making every
thing subservient to his hungry ambi-
ton. The one soft spot in this dra-
matte nature was the kings intense
love for his first born, the hayward
Prince Henry. The latter is one of
Shakespeares favorite characters
Youthful, joyous, careless, fond of prac-
teal joking, he is, but mean and con-
temptible, never. Always clean even in
the midst of pot-house brawers. When
duty calls he proves himself a compe-
tent and valient soldier, and wise and
upright king. In protection Of his fav-
orite the poet made a counter foil for
him in the famous creation of Sir John
Falstaff. This is at once the greatest
and shallowest wit and the most over
flowing and emptiest humorist in
Shakespeare. He is a cultivated buff
foon, without the instinct or courage
of a man. And still we laugh at him
and with him for he is a jovial self
conceited fool.
The play is compiled of two factors.
Rumors of war on the one hand and
Falstaff and his companions on the
other. The clang of steel and the elank
of pewter, the noise Of men at arms and
the rowdyism of roysterers. The lee
turer gave an interesting synopsis of
the play, showing the story in all it's
historic truth, poetic depth and beauty.
To fine presence Mr.. Clapp adds
the charm of a fine rounded voice, a |
generous and sympathetic infection
and cultured defamation. He rem
dered several of the more famous
speeches with dramatic point and force
and the entire lecture was highly ap-
preciated by the large audience
Next lecture on Wednesday, February |
81, on Beatrice" should be a rare
treat.