Folger Library Talk on Data-Mining Shakespeare

Since we are a member of the Folger institute, it's worth noting interesting events like these, in the chance that you might be in Washington DC or wish to visit there next week.

Folger Shakespeare Library Director
MICHAEL WITMORE
on Data-Mining Shakespeare

FREE TALK Wednesday, October 26, 7pm Othello is a Shakespearean tragedy: when the hero makes a terrible mistake of judgment, his once promising world is led into ruin. Computer analysis of the play’s text, however, suggests that the play is a comedy or, at least, that it does the same things with words that comedies usually do. Are we now at the point where computers and humans really “see” the same thing in literary texts? Hear Folger Director Michael Witmore talk about what it’s like to “data-mine” Shakespeare’s plays, a process that ultimately demonstrates the complexity and power of human judgments about literary texts. RSVP online today to reserve your seat.

Data-Mining Shakespeare is presented as a complement to Folger Theatre’s production of Othello, which has been extended through December 4.
Learn more about the production and purchase tickets at www.folger.edu/othello.