SHAKESPEARE: RELEVANT OR NOT?
The dramatist Ben Jonson once exclaimed, “Shakespeare was not of an age, but for all time!” I tend to agree very definitely, as Shakespeare’s work’s are still found and used all over the world today.
Shakespeare’s plays tell stories of love and greed, betrayal and new friendships. Although having to form new words, and using complex language, almost everyone can connect with the feelings and anguish that Shakespeare conveys in his work. Not only was he an amazing playwright, but he had very interesting views and some could say he left small hints in his plays to his audience.
Even today, this could encourage students to think ahead of their time, outside of the box, and that there are different ways to get a message out or protest against varying causes. As I explore the marvelous legend that is William Shakespeare, I hope his works captivate you and bring deep fascination.
First off, as the technology era dawns on us teenagers, it is important to keep in touch with the intricate and vulnerable way that Shakespeare wrote. While we resort to abbreviations like ‘LOL’ (laugh out loud) and describe our feelings with ‘nm’ (nothing much), one could even say that we are losing basic human skills to communicate. Then when we become adults, this lack of skill will affect our children and so on.
Shakespeare is still relevant in today’s society because he still has much to teach us. By studying the different poetic devices that were used in his work, we learn that there are so many more ways to relate to others and allow the ideas in our heads to flow out. As technology progresses, and we lose touch with nature, shakespeare’s writing techniques allow everyone, old or young, to express themselves in better ways.
First off, his use of metaphor and simile, could be even more beneficial to children than adults. Be describing living and non-living things with characteristics we associate with other living and non-living things, shakespeare allows audiences to form new connections between things and grasp a better understanding of the way things work. An example of a modern day use of this device would be if a teacher was trying to educate children on a complex subject like death. She could say, “Death was like fog, creeping slowly and then eventually encompassing you entirely, a dancer, tiptoeing around a stage until they are called to take a final bow.” It is by learning about techniques like these used by Shakespeare that one can see it’s relevance in modern society by showing us how to speak our minds.
One can not forget, that the main reason Shakespeare is still so relevant to students today, is that his works mirror life in any period of time. In his life, Shakespeare managed to cover a large range of areas of emotion and hardship dealt with in a person’s life. By learning about them today, we can find out how Shakespeare deals with these problems, how we can, and also seek solace from knowing we are not the first to have dealt with these certain aspects of life.
By focusing on characters such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, we can see how similar issues are faced by relationships right now. His themes of family war, which affect everyone born into the family, can be seen in issues today, such as the mafia, who often have ongoing disputes and prevent youngsters from forming relationships with each other. Another of his works, King lear, a story of a King who requests that his daughters pronounce the amount of love they have for him, in order to be granted the biggest share of his kingdom, shows themes of power struggles and family problems which are still evident today. This contributes to Shakespeare’s relevance as he links to all eras.
Not only does he link to all eras, but he brings up important issues and views in his plays, issues that still need to be addressed today. Not only is this important for adults in society, but his use of creativity and tying these issues into his plays make it easier for children to understand. As I look into Shakespeare’s, The Merchant of Venice, and take the play apart, one can see how he cleverly suggests Anti-semitism. We also see how in play’s like Macbeth, Lady Macbeth calls on the dark spirits to unsex her, so she can act like a man to kill. This suggests the unequal expectations and double standards for women, for shakespeare’s time and even for now. Small suggestions like women playing men and showing this great sense of freedom and spontaneity, and then returning to female roles and being silenced, hints at and subtly exploits sexism and other issues regarding women.
All in all, shakespeare is still relevant because he still teaches us. He teaches us how to express ourselves, he teaches us about worldwide issues and teaches us about emotions we all feel, and that is exactly why he has been around for so long. Shakespeare connected with almost every person and still connects today, and for a long time coming.
That’s all Kiddo’s, until next time.
By Olivia Di Falco
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