Shakespeare is the most popular and famous English writers of all time, but is all the praise he receives justified?
Lets examine the reasons behind his success:
Shakespeare is first and foremost a playwright, and the most themes found in his plays are universal. For example, the consuming, demoralizing effect of greed in Macbeth, the theme of revenge in Hamlet, and what is considered to be the greatest, most tragic love story of all time, Romeo and Juliette which displays the theme of forbidden love. The latter's success is due mainly to the fact that most cultures can identify with its message. Naturally, other authors have tackled these themes, but Shakespeare's style is unparalleled, it's the way he writes his plays that makes them so compelling, the predicaments he introduces, the irony, and figurative language he incorporates. One important trait in Shakespeare's writing that distinguishes him from other play writes is that he introduced psychology and the idea of a subconscious that can greatly effect us humans and thus his characters, which results in in some memorable monologues, such as those in Macbeth and hamlet.
However, Shakespeare's career has been very controversial, and many have even questioned the originality of his work, claiming that he borrowed ideas heavily from other writers of the time. In that sense, if Shakespeare hadn't written it, somebody else would have, so perhaps his work is blown a little out of proportion.
That said, he is the most famous English author for a reason. Since Shakespeare's death, no other author has reached his caliber of success, and been a widely studied in schools and universities, which goes to show; there will never be another Shakespeare.
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3 comments:
Indeed, no other Shakespeare shall exist. I actually wouldn't mind, his works are enough study :P
You incorporated the idea of his plagiarism as a reason for why he is so overrated. I completely agree, however those who were to write about these topics wouldn't have been able to write with Shakespeare's impeccable style.
You've done it once again Tanya, you've nailed it :)
Ah but be careful: Who knows, there is still possibility for someone else to come :)
You seem to dwell on all Shakespeare's success and your research into it is most admirable. But don't you think that sometimes negative opinions on Shakespeare's works are sometimes shunned out by all the press and academic attention given to Shakespeare's works?
Even though I agree with you in general, I still ponder whether we have left room for criticizing Shakespeare's works.
me likes :)
Intersting, although I have an opposing view on how much praise he deserves, I found your post very insightful. I could truely understand your position, you justified it well. :D
I must add, I found your mention of his frequent monologues interesting, especially your linking it to psycology ;-) I had never looked at it that way.
In general, nice one!! :D
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