As one of the most famous writers in literary history, William Shakespeare has imprinted his influence in all corners of the world. His works are taught in numerous school and are a method of introducing young students to classic literature. Today, academia has fueled Shakespeare into fame and allowed his works to be taught as a standard. Rarely is there an individual who has not heard of Shakespeare and who cannot recall a number of his plays. Though was his fame founded on the integrity of his work, or was it based on a hype and because he is the William Shakespeare. Who was the man responsible for leading the world of academia and literature, and why is he still relevant today? Four hundred years have passed since Shakespeare had …show more content…
Since the production of his first plays, Shakespeare has been influential in literature and English language as he created a new standard for his era. He is a master of his art and the flow of his words and the inventiveness of his stories only underscore this fact. Though there are times where his works have been become serialized and overpopularized. Many of his works have been showcased in numerous ways, ranging from renowned poetry competitions to expensive movie adaptations, which have garnered millions of dollars. However, it is believed much of Shakespeare’s fame is credited to the hype and stigma around his writing. As one of the most famous writers of his century and of all time, Shakespeare must have works worth noting and his fame is and should not be all for naught. However, there are many stereotypical storylines that have gained unnecessary attention as they can be boring and unoriginal. In particular, Romeo and Juliet are so known that at one mention of this name, most individuals will be able to recite the plot of the play without having to reference the Internet or other types of media. And in knowing this, is Shakespeare still read today because of his talents as a writer or simply because he is famous? Why are high schoolers around the world forced and expected to have read two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays: Romeo and …show more content…
But why is the society so supportive and aware of this man’s influence if they do not even know the date of his birthday and, much less, the proper way to pronounce his name? Shakespeare was a man with a modest education with not much to his name until he published and produced his first play. He was an actor, a writer, married to a woman named Anne Hathaway, had three children with her, and died from unknown causes. He has written thirty-nine plays, one hundred fifty-four sonnets, and numerous other forms of writing, which proves his artistry as he has been able to accomplish such a large feat within the short span of his fifty-two years of life. This alone is enough reason to read his works and use them as the basis of numerous classrooms around the world. Though, there is a hype and stigma revolving around Shakespeare and his work. Everyone likes Shakespeare so that means I should like him too, and students have always studied Shakespeare so, obviously, I have to know every single detail about his life and his works. These people, unfortunately, will most likely never understand the true mastery of Shakespeare’s works and the issues and themes they represent. As I stated before, Shakespeare’s works possessed powerful and emotionally driven language and were related to the corruptness of the
In countries all over the globe the name William Shakespeare brings to mind literary genius, a character so famed in eloquence and creativity that none other comes close to him in prestige. Yet for centuries scholars, students and readers have argued a very fundamental question: whether or not the plays and poems attribute to William...
We may now ask why the works of Shakespeare enjoy an undiminishing acceptance in most countries of the world and an aura of immortality. It is perhaps because we see in Shakespeare the mirror of the human condition with which we may all identify and gain a sense that in some strange way his plays belong to us.
One reason his writings are still powerful and influential because it is an art form of expression. Shakespeare uses a variety of fictional characters to show new aspects of humanity. The play of Othello is a good example of an art that has movement and progresses over a set time. It does not restrict the readers or writers because both can create their own little fantasy world while writing or reading the play. Before the television age, people use theater as form of entertainment and also a good way to pass down human history to the next generation. Back then, people really enjoy the different theatrical themes. For instance, Shakespeare sets up a deceitful theme in “The Tragedy of Othello,” especially in the character Iago. He is the main plot and key figure to the entire play. Iago quickly learn his opponent’s weakness and use...
“William Shakespeare (26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was and English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s preeminent dramatist” (vodppl.upm.edu 2). He was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK, he also passed away in his hometown. “When Shakespeare died in 1616 the event was barely noticed” (Epstein 7). “Shakespeare’s family was initially prosperous but began having financial difficulties in the 1570’s” (Allen 325). “Shakespeare gained his education by attending the local grammar school, King’s New School, where the curriculum stressed a classic education of Greek mythology and roman comedy”(shakespeareinamericancomunites.org 1). He never carried his educational career to a higher level as in a university. “William Shakespeare was not recognized as an actor, poet, and playwright until 1592” (Allen 346).
Shakespeare is Important William Shakespeare’s plays are being made into box office film hits at an incredible rate. Films such as Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, Hamlet with Mel Gibson and Glenn Close, Othello with Laurence Fishbourne and Henry V with Kenneth Branagh have been seen by a surprising number of teenagers. Often they have not understood it all, or even half of it, but they have been affected by the powerful characters and by the Shakespearean magic which has affected audiences around the world for centuries. They want to know more, they want to understand, and what better motivation can any teacher ask for than that students WANT? That alone is sufficient reason for any English teacher to start a course in Shakespeare.
Shakespeare's works have persistently influenced humanity for the past four hundred years. Quotations from his plays are used in many other works of literature and some common phrases have even become integrated into the English language. Most high schoolers have been unsuccessful in avoidance of him and college students are rarely afforded the luxury of choice when it comes to studying the bard. Many aspects of Shakespeare's works have been researched but one of the most popular topics since the 1960s has been the portrayal of women in Shakespeare's tragedies, comedies, histories and sonnets.
Although William Shakespeare is considered to be one of the most revered and well-renowned authors of all time, controversy surrounds the belief that he actually produced his own literary works. Some rumors even go so far as to question the reality of such a one, William Shakespeare, brought on by paralleling the quality of his pieces with his personal background and education. With such farfetched allegations, it persuaded others to peek into the person we all are taught to learn as “Shakespeare”, but who is actually the person behind these genius works of literary promise and enlightenment? To some, Shakespeare is as much accredited to his works as frequently as you see his name placed. To others, Shakespeare is a complex enigma into which we the people are supposed to unravel; the true author behind a falsely-given pseudonym. The debate pertaining to the true authorship of William Shakespeare’s works are still questioned in today’s society.
Across the Universe of Time: Shakespeare’s influence on 21st century society. It is harder to imagine a more universal writer than William Shakespeare. Rarely, if ever, is one of his many plays not being performed anywhere in the world and similarly rare is the tertiary English student who has not examined his work at length. His plays, sonnets and poems are common fodder for high school English departments across the globe.
William Shakespeare has become landmark in English literature. One must be familiar with the early days of English literature in order to comprehend the foundation of much of more modern literature’s basis. Shakespeare’s modern influence is still seen clearly in many ways. The success of Shakespeare’s works helped to set the example for the development of modern dramas and plays. He is also acknowledged for being one of the first writers to use any modern prose in his writings.
Arguably the greatest playwright of his time, perhaps in all of history, William Shakespeare's literary works have had a tremendous impact (see Appendix 2). Reaching into the pop culture of the modern world through movies and quotes used in everyday conversation, Shakespeare's influence is astounding (see Appendix 1). One rarely stops to think, however, about events that had an impact on Shakespeare's life, particularly his writing. The outbreak of the plague, social disparity, political unrest, just a few of the historical happenings that impacted Shakespeare's plays, including Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and Henry IV
Literature is an art form, it is entertainment, history, and a medium of self-expression. There is something magical about the creative power that is within literature. With words alone, literature illustrates the rise of nations, the fall of tyranny, the power of true love, and the tragedy of unescapable fate. When discussing timeless literature, it is almost impossible to not bring up the works of William Shakespeare. However, while some are enthusiastic about discussing Shakespeare, many can’t help but sigh. Some find his work outdated, his language cumbersome, and question: for what purpose is society so fixated on his work? Despite complaints from a few contemporary readers, Shakespeare’s work exhibits quality and thoughtfulness that is
William Shakespeare's Relevance Today For as long as formal education has existed in Britain it has been a largely standard assumption that teaching the works of William Shakespeare is relevant and necessary. Perhaps the relevance of his writing is taken for granted, perhaps it is necessary to re-examine the role of Shakespeare for the modern audience. There are indeed many people who question the relevance of this 440 year old playwright to a 21st century audience, taking it even as far as perhaps the greatest heresy of all, questioning the necessity of GCSE pupils learning Shakespeare at all.
After overcoming the troubles of becoming an actor and a playwright, William Shakespeare has become well renowned. His works reach to people all around the world despite the language barriers and different races and cultures. For centuries, the popularity of his work...
Throughout the United States and the entire world people are aware of Shakespeare; however, many people wonder why society wants their citizens to continue to read William Shakespeare’s plays and poems. Shakespeare continues to influence today’s environment and brings people together by speaking of a common author that most people know. All across the world, students must read at least one of Shakespeare’s works; which often develop those children who read his works into better writers. During the Elizabethan Era, William Shakespeare experienced an uneventful childhood and had a basic education; however, his life still seems to be shrouded with mystery and raises the argument that he was not only the most successful, but also the most mysterious playwright, actor, and poet from that time period.
William Shakespeare’s life has brought much curiosity to many. This is natural as he is considered to be the greatest figure of English Literature. William Shakespeare, in terms of his life and work, is the most written-about author in the history of Western civilization. His works include 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 epic narrative poems, the First of which was published after his death in 1623 by two of Shakespeare's acting companions, John Heminges and Henry Condell. Since then, the works of Shakespeare have been studied, analyzed, and enjoyed as some of the finest work of art in the English language.