Shakespeare modern relevance

Why Shakespeare Still Matters (and How to Start Enjoying Him!)

Shakespeare. The name might conjure up dusty textbooks, confusing language, and maybe a high school English teacher with a little too much passion for iambic pentameter. But hold on! Before you write off the Bard as irrelevant, let's talk about why Shakespeare still matters today, and how even beginners can find something to love in his work.

Shakespeare's Themes: Timeless and Universal

Sure, Shakespeare wrote about kings and queens, witches and fairies, in a language that can sound pretty foreign to our modern ears. But beneath the surface, his plays explore themes that are just as relevant today as they were 400 years ago:

• Love and loss:  Think Romeo and Juliet, a story of forbidden love that still resonates with anyone who's ever felt a powerful connection.

• Ambition and power: Macbeth's thirst for power and its devastating consequences are a cautionary tale that feels all too real in today's world.

• Revenge and justice: Hamlet grapples with the desire for revenge, a struggle that continues to play out in our own lives and legal systems.

• Identity and self-discovery:  From Viola disguising herself as a man in Twelfth Night to the exploration of gender roles in As You Like It, Shakespeare's characters wrestle with questions of identity that still challenge us today.

Relatable Characters, Complex Emotions

Shakespeare's characters are not just historical figures in fancy costumes. They are complex individuals with relatable emotions, flaws, and motivations. We see ourselves in their struggles with jealousy (Othello), ambition (Macbeth), grief (Hamlet), and love (just about everyone!).

Shakespeare for Beginners: Where to Start

Feeling intimidated? Don't be! Here are some tips for diving into Shakespeare:

• Start with a modern adaptation:  Movies like 10 Things I Hate About You (based on The Taming of the Shrew) or Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet can introduce you to the stories in a familiar format.

• See a live performance:  Experiencing a Shakespeare play on stage can bring the language to life and make it easier to understand.

• Read a simplified version:  There are many editions of Shakespeare's plays with modern English translations or summaries to help you follow along.

• Focus on the story: Don't get bogged down in every single word. Try to grasp the overall plot and character relationships first.

• Embrace the humor:  Shakespeare's plays are full of witty banter, puns, and slapstick comedy. Don't be afraid to laugh!

Shakespeare in the Modern World

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond the stage. His words and stories have inspired countless books, movies, TV shows, and even video games. From The Lion King (based on Hamlet) to House of Cards (inspired by Richard III), Shakespeare's themes and characters continue to shape our culture.

So, the next time you hear the name "Shakespeare," don't just think of stuffy classrooms and complicated language. Think of timeless stories, relatable characters, and universal themes that still have the power to move and inspire us today. Give Shakespeare a chance, and you might be surprised at what you discover.