Shakespeare’s Empathic Imagination

Abstract

Shakespeare’s imagination lies at the heart of his empathic approach. A reading of The Tempest shows how Shakespeare creates a magical isle dominated by Prospero, who some critics suggest is his alter ego. A synopsis of the play is followed by a discussion of Shakespeare’s magic and examples of his extraordinary imagination. These discussions illuminate the use of a doctor’s imagination in empathic relationships with patients. The chapter explores differences between sympathy and empathy. If doctors are to avoid burnout they need to imagine the patient’s world from an other-orientated perspective, rather than taking a self-orientated view of their feelings in the patient’s situation.