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Why Shakespeare Matters: Exploring the Importance of Studying the Bard in the Modern Age

Droeshout, Martin. William Shakespeare. 1623. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare#/media/File:Shakespeare_Droeshout_1623.jpg.

Why Shakespeare Matters: 

Exploring the Importance of Studying the Bard in the Modern Age

Table of contents:

Introduction

Analysis

Conclusion

References

Introduction

Shakespeare's enduring relevance can be attributed to his ability to create relatable characters and situations that are still relevant in modern times. His characters possess an emotional authenticity that transcends time, and his plays depict universal experiences, ranging from family conflicts to romance to war (Britannica, 2020). In this paper, I argue that the study of Shakespeare is crucial for modern-day students, as it provides valuable insights into human behavior, emotions, and experiences that are still relevant today. Through an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's works, students can develop critical thinking and language skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the human condition. Moreover, understanding Shakespeare's plays can also improve students' cultural literacy and appreciation for classic literature, which is crucial in today's fast-paced world. By exploring the significance of Shakespeare's work, this paper aims to highlight the importance of including Shakespearean studies in modern curricula.

Analysis

To illustrate the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's characters, one can look to his play "Hamlet." The character of Hamlet is a young man struggling to come to terms with the death of his father and the betrayal of his mother. He grapples with questions of morality and the meaning of life, as well as the conflicting demands of duty and personal desire. These themes are still relevant in modern times, as people continue to face questions of purpose and ethics, as well as the challenge of balancing personal needs with societal expectations. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who read literary fiction, such as Shakespeare's works, demonstrated higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence (Kidd & Castano, 2013). This suggests that exposure to Shakespeare's complex characters and situations can help students develop their own emotional awareness and social skills.

Furthermore, Shakespeare's plays often explore universal experiences that are still relevant today. For example, the play "Romeo and Juliet" depicts the intense emotions and conflicts that arise when two people from different backgrounds fall in love. This situation remains relevant in modern times, as people continue to struggle with issues of cultural and social identity, as well as the challenges of love and relationships. In addition, Shakespeare's portrayal of war in plays such as "Henry V" and "Macbeth" provides valuable insights into the human experience of conflict and its consequences. These themes are still relevant in modern times, as people continue to grapple with issues of violence and peace both locally and globally.

It’s over 400 years old, and yet it offers us a vocabulary for the things that haven’t changed (Zhang, 2022). Shakespeare remains popular in the 21st century because of his influence on the English language, his universal and enduring characters, his controversy around authorship, his profitable brand, his mysterious likeness, and the fact that his work resonates with people from different cultures and times. He continues to be relevant as he understands human emotions and portrays complex themes with ease and prowess. His work is woven into the fabric of the English language and will continue to be popular for as long as time exists. (Kelleher, 2020)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work is evident in the relatable characters and universal themes that he portrays. Through the study of Shakespeare, modern-day students can gain valuable insights into human behavior, emotions, and experiences that are still relevant today. By exploring the significance of Shakespeare's work, this paper aims to highlight the importance of including Shakespearean studies in modern curricula.

References

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, October 2). William Shakespeare’s Important Works. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/William-Shakespeares-Important-Works

Zhang, I. (2022, March 24). Shakespeare, for the 21st Century. Northeastern Global News. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from  https://news.northeastern.edu/2020/08/18/shakespeare-for-the-21st-century/

Kidd, D. C., & Castano, E. (2013). Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind. Science, 342(6156), 377-380. doi: 10.1126/science.1239918

Kelleher, H. (2020, November 4). Why is Shakespeare still so popular in the 21st century? No Sweat Shakespeare. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://nosweatshakespeare.com/blog/shakespeares-21st-century-popularity/

Why Shakespeare Matters: Exploring the Importance of Studying the Bard in the Modern Age by Temere Animus is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

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