A Humorous Take on Shakespeare’s Influence in Country People

Penguin Random House Shakespeare capitalized on the appeal of lighthearted entertainment for summer readers. This aligns with the essence of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, known for its blend of commoners, nobility, and mischievous fairies meeting in a forest. Country People by Daniel Mason puts a unique twist on this theme, evidenced by the novel closing with a school play of the Shakespearean classic.

Set in a Vermont forest, the story features characters reminiscent of those envisioned by Jefferson as intellectual leaders, rather than hereditary aristocrats. Kate is a distinguished scholar, highly regarded for her expertise in Blake and Milton. She teaches in California but receives an offer for a temporary professorship in Vermont. Her husband Miles, perpetually a graduate student, has been developing a dissertation on Russian folklore for 14 years, while also tending to family responsibilities.

The move to Vermont is invigorating for the family. They travel cross-country to reside in a faculty member’s home, conveniently rent-free during a sabbatical. Country People reveals threads of academic satire within its digressive narrative. Humorous moments include the comparison of student evaluations for Kate and Miles.

“Kate’s courses were considered ‘super fun, and interesting!,’ though not directly useful for jobs, whereas her colleagues felt pressure to rename courses for appeal. Meanwhile, Miles’s feedback included being ‘nice,’ albeit ‘sometimes hard to follow.”

As the plot unfolds in Vermont, the novel shifts from dry wit to whimsical tall tales. Miles eagerly interacts with local residents, given his academic focus on rural life. These locals, met in cafes and clinics, hold eccentric beliefs. Some discuss theories like Flat-Earth and “Super-Rat-Lines” under their new home. Intriguing personalities further enrich the narrative, with characters like a captivating drama teacher drawing Miles into helping stage an adventurous version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Mason’s narrative style enchants without belittling. His humor, sometimes overstretched, such as a footnote listing play attendees or missing narrative depth, contrasts with the lively silliness he successfully instills. This lightheartedness ensures an engaging reading experience with plenty of entertainment throughout Country People.