Why We Study 400-Year-Old Shakespeare
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Major Reasons Why We Study 400-Year-Old Shakespeare In 2019

Words are incredibly impactful.

Kelsey Dietrich
Jul 28, 2019
Bowling Green State University
108
5 Major Reasons Why We Study 400-Year-Old Shakespeare In 2019
Kelsey Dietrich

The man, the myth, the legend, the Bard... William Shakespeare. Did he really write 37 plays and 154 sonnets all by himself? While there are people who either believe that Shakespeare was one man or a compilation of several writers, regardless, there is no doubt that the work published under the name of "Shakespeare" is amazing. The fact that we still read, interpret, analyze, and adapt this British Literature 400 years after it was published speaks as many volumes as the total compilation of Shakespeare's work. Here are five major lessons we learn when we study Shakespeare in 2019.

1. Recurring human themes

Revenge in 'Hamlet,' young love in 'Romeo and Juliet,' power in 'Richard III,' and guilt in 'Macbeth' are all examples of major themes that continue to reoccur in both the literary world and the society, making the pieces relatable at a very. general level.

2. Pop culture is adapted from Shakespeare's "source"

Did you know that 'The Lion King' is an adaptation of 'Hamlet' or that '10 Things I Hate About You' is an adaptation of 'The Taming of the Shrew'? Were you aware that Jane Smiley's novel, 'A Thousand Acres' is an adaptation of 'King Lear' or that the film, 'Scotland, PA' is an adaptation of 'Macbeth'? When it is brought to your attention that these other pieces are adapted from Shakespeare's versions, then you are provided an opportunity to appreciate the similarities and creative deviations between the two pieces. Further, having an understanding of Shakespeare's text is important in helping you to understand major themes and other details present in the piece that is doing the adapting.

3. Ethical dilemmas that, unfortunately, still occur today

This goes right along with the recurring human themes. The issues that characters in Shakespeare's plays experience are the same ethical dilemmas that people are dealing with in modern times. The family dynamics of dealing with an aging parent in 'King Lear,' the overt racism in 'Othello,' and the issue of class present in 'The Merchant of Venice' are all, unfortunately, issues that are still present in society today. Perhaps experiencing these plots by Shakespeare can help modern readers realize that a different point-of-view regarding the situation.

4. Open to several unique interpretations

Did Ophelia fall into the river by complete accident or was it suicide? Is Katherine truly tamed by the end of the play? Is King Lear senile? All of these questions could be answered with an argument for either opposing side (with, of course, some people taking stances right in the middle) as a result of the various details that Shakespeare includes in his plays. Consequently, there are no true answers that point to exactly what Shakespeare was intending to convey in his work; thus, every time that you read his play over, you may find another unique interpretation that did not strike you upon the initial (or second, or third) reading.

5. These pieces are timeless

Ultimately, we still study Shakespeare in 2019 because of the timelessness of his plays. Even 400 years later, the impact that this work still has on readers, viewers, adapters, and aspiring creators is invaluable. (Even if the Early Modern English text is difficult to decipher at times!)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
13498
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
290585
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
88583
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151115
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
56364
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments