Why Shakespeare Still Matters | Shakespeare's Influence

Summary

This video script explores why Shakespeare's works, despite being written over 400 years ago, continue to captivate audiences. It explains that Shakespeare's words were meant to be spoken, not just read silently, and highlights how actors’ delivery brought his plays to life. The script also touches on Shakespeare’s creative language, his timeless themes of love, fate, and life’s meaning, and how his influence persists in modern culture. It encourages readers to enjoy the poetry of his words aloud, and reflect on the universal human experiences he so masterfully captured.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shakespeare's words were meant to be spoken on stage, not silently read.
• 😀 Each performance of Shakespeare's plays was unique, with actors choosing how to deliver their lines.
• 😀 The audience wasn't focused on understanding every word but enjoying the performance.
• 😀 Shakespeare's creativity has influenced modern language, with phrases like 'break the ice' and 'swagger' originating from him.
• 😀 He explored deep human emotions like love, anger, fear, and jealousy through his works.
• 😀 Shakespeare’s plays continue to resonate with audiences due to universal themes like the complexity of love and life.
• 😀 His works raise big philosophical questions, such as the meaning of life and fate versus free will.
• 😀 Shakespeare's influence is pervasive, with his words and phrases still in common use today.
• 😀 Reading Shakespeare aloud can help you appreciate the sound and rhythm of his poetry.
• 😀 Shakespeare's exploration of life's big questions makes his works timeless and relatable across generations.

Q & A

Why does Shakespeare's language often seem confusing at first?

Shakespeare's language can seem confusing because it was written in Early Modern English, which differs from contemporary English. Additionally, Shakespeare used many creative expressions, metaphors, and wordplay that might not be immediately clear to modern readers.

What was the original purpose of Shakespeare's works?

Shakespeare's works were originally written to be performed on stage, not read silently. The actors would deliver the lines with their own interpretation, making each performance unique. The audience wasn't focused on understanding every word but on enjoying the performance.

How does Shakespeare's style relate to modern performers like poets, rappers, and comedians?

Shakespeare's style is similar to that of modern poets, rappers, and comedians in that they all get creative with their delivery. They use wordplay, punchlines, and humor to engage the audience, much like how Shakespeare used his words to add depth and entertainment to his works.

What is the significance of the phrases Shakespeare coined?

Shakespeare's influence on the English language is immense. He coined hundreds of phrases still in use today, such as 'break the ice,' 'swagger,' and 'a heart of gold.' His creative use of language helped shape how we express ourselves.

What themes does Shakespeare explore in his works?

Shakespeare explores timeless human emotions and experiences, such as anger, fear, jealousy, love, and the complexities of life. His works tackle big philosophical questions, including the nature of love, fate, free will, and the meaning of life.

How does Shakespeare depict love in his works?

Shakespeare often portrays love as an intense, all-consuming force. For instance, in *Romeo and Juliet*, Romeo asks, 'Did my heart love till now?' which reflects how love can overwhelm and define a person's existence.

What philosophical question does Macbeth raise about life?

In *Macbeth*, the character reflects on the futility of life with the line, 'It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.' This line questions the meaning and purpose of life.

What does Shakespeare suggest about fate and free will?

In *Julius Caesar*, Shakespeare explores the tension between fate and free will. The famous line, 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves,' suggests that humans have the power to shape their own destinies, rather than being controlled by fate.

Why is it important not to get too caught up in understanding every word of Shakespeare's works?

It's important not to focus on understanding every word because Shakespeare's works are meant to be experienced through performance. The beauty of his language, his humor, and his ability to evoke emotions come to life when spoken aloud and heard in the context of a performance.

How does Shakespeare's work remain relevant to modern audiences?

Shakespeare's work remains relevant because it addresses universal themes like love, fate, and the human condition. The emotions and questions he explored still resonate with audiences today, making his works timeless. His creative use of language continues to influence modern artists and writers.