Plants Are Set Before Us
Shakespeare's Natural Worlds
"These collections help reflect the primacy of nature in Shakespearean drama, where characters consistently encounter flowers, vegetables, potions, and poisons that influence their fates."
Emory’s Herbarium and Dr. Harry Rusche’s collection of Shakespearean-themed postcards help us illustrate the plants mentioned in the First Folio. The Herbarium was established in 1949 to document and monitor plants used in research, medicine, and other significant endeavors. These collections help reflect the primacy of nature in Shakespearean drama, where characters consistently encounter flowers, vegetables, potions, and poisons that influence their fates.
Poppy, Papaver Rhoeas, photo credit: Paige Knight