Some love him. Some hate him. Almost everyone has read (or seen a movie of) something he’s written. His plays have been performed more often than those of any other playwright.
And today is the anniversary of his birth – AND death (though his birth date is not absolutely certain). William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, was presumed born April 23, 1564 (he was baptized April 26, and apparently three days after birth was customary at that time), and died 52 years later, to the day.
Even if you haven’t read Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, or Macbeth, you know of them. And they have likely influenced your writing whether you know it or not. It is said that 1,700 words in his works were first used by him there, and many have become part of modern English. And the storylines, of course, have been redone over and over.
And in several places, including Chicago, today is “Talk Like Shakespeare” Day. So practice that iambic pentameter, toss in a few “thee’s” and thou’s,” and maybe even pull out your high school anthology and read a play.
I shall see thee on Wednesday.
What’s your favorite Shakespeare play? What’s your opinion of him? Have you used a “Shakespeare storyline” in a story of your own?
Related posts:
3 Comments until now.
I just read that it is the Bard’s birthday. My favorite play is the Tempest. I saw it performed at Stratford Ca a couple of years ago and was wow’d by its words. The actors were so powerful too. I never was much of a Shakespeare fan until we began visiting Stratford and seeing the plays performed live on stage. Definitely made a huge difference for me.
Shakespeare is in an exalted league and stratosphere, all of his own. He is without peer. He is without competition. He has only imitators. He is the Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven combined of literature. For those who want insight into the psychology of each of us, as we relate to ourselves and others, there is no greater sweeping pertinence than Shakespeare, and no greater exquisite expression of its essentials.
Everyone who is exposed to this master is enriched, whether by the pint or by the bucket, according to the willingness to drink deeply.
For those with a duller appreciation of this standout genius, may I suggest revisiting, by baby steps, an approach to his works. Start with a simplified rendition and commentary. Progress, only in a pace of understanding, where time is the least pressing factor. Your appetite is guaranteed to want to bite more.
If you do, you too, will say “ Happy Birthday, Willy ! ”
I didn’t know that it was Shakespeare’s birthday. I am a very big fan of his work. Years ago my sister bought two collections of his plays for me. I like his plays because they deal with real issues–anti-semitism (The Merchant of Venice); race,racism; jealousy and insecurity(Othello); ambition (MacBeth); revenge (Hamlet); corruption (Measure For Measure); suicide (Romeo and Juliet). The play I like the most is Timon of Athens. It deals with someone who wasted his money and generosity on fake friends. It’s sad how things turned out for Timon. Shakespeare was a master of storytelling. He is one of the reasons why I am a lover of plays.