Is Shakespearean Literature Still Relatable Today? Essay

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Shakespeare’s writing is still relevant today because it portrays many timeless themes and emotions of the human condition that appeal to people across centuries. His works often explore these aspects of humanity, and his characters can be seen as avatars for modern audiences who find parallels between their lives and those of Shakespeare’s creation. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, audiences have been drawn for centuries by the enduring theme of young love amidst a background of family feuding. This continues to resonate with viewers today, as does the range of other powerful emotions such as ambition (Macbeth), revenge (Hamlet), and betrayal (Othello).

In addition, Shakespearean language has become so embedded in everyday speech that it is often used without realizing its origin. Even though some of the words that Shakespeare used are outdated, his use of figurative language and clever wordplay still resonates with readers today. Many everyday phrases originated from Shakespeare, such as “it’s all Greek to me” and “in a pickle.” Even his metaphors are still in use today: for example, they call tragedies “Bard-fests” (alluding to the Bard himself), and even some jokes take their roots from puns made by the great playwright.

Finally, the characters that Shakespeare created have been immortalized in popular culture. His plays have been translated into countless languages and adapted for all sorts of media—from television series to Bollywood movies—and continue to attract audiences of all ages (Vuille 136). Through movies and television shows, modern audiences can relate to these characters as if they were their friends and family. Undoubtedly, many people are drawn to his works; everyone enjoys a good classic.

In conclusion, it is evident that William Shakespeare’s works still matter today. His writing can speak to different generations through its timeless themes and poetic language. His characters are beloved by many and continue to capture the hearts of modern audiences. He has left us with an enduring legacy that will continue to be appreciated for generations. Therefore, one can easily comprehend why Shakespeare is still relevant and enjoyed today.

Work Cited

Vuille, Rosine-Alice. “Haider, A Bollywood Hamlet: narrating contemporary conflicts through classical theatre.” Haider, A Bollywood Hamlet: narrating contemporary conflicts through classical theatre (2022): 135-146.

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