Shakespeare's enduring popularity can be attributed to his significant contributions to the English language, his unmatched literary achievements, and his ability to transcend cultural boundaries. His genius lies in his ability to create works that are both timeless and universally appreciated, securing his place as the father of modern English literature.
William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, remains an iconic figure in literature and theater. His timeless works, known for their compelling narratives, poetic language, and intricate characters, continue to mesmerize audiences centuries after his passing. Why does Shakespeare's popularity endure, while many of his contemporaries faded into obscurity? Why do his plays continue to be read and staged?
He influenced the English language
Shakespeare's impact on the English language is undeniable. He played a significant role in shaping and standardizing the language during the 17th and 18th centuries. Through his plays and poems, he introduced over 1,700 words that are still in common use today. Shakespeare's creativity and linguistic prowess allowed him to invent and introduce words by combining existing words, changing the grammatical form, adding prefixes or suffixes, and drawing inspiration from other languages, particularly Latin. He had a deep understanding of Latin drama and would often borrow words from Latin and adapt them for the English language. Some of the words and phrases that Shakespeare either invented or popularized, which are still integral to the English lexicon, include "dawn," "hurry," "kissing," "manager," and "traditional." Furthermore, his plays also gave rise to colloquial phrases that have become ingrained in everyday speech, such as "fair play," "clothes make the man," and "what's done is done." Shakespeare's linguistic innovations continue to enrich the English language and contribute to its vitality and expression.
He understood the power of language
Language serves as more than just a means of communication; it acts as a gateway to the world. When learning a language, one not only acquires the ability to speak and write, but also develops qualities such as open-mindedness, liberalism, tolerance, kindness, and consideration towards all of humanity. For Shakespeare, his knowledge of languages played a crucial role in connecting with others, greatly influencing his works. His plays incorporated a wide range of local, regional, and global dialects and language variations. Shakespeare astutely recognized the power of language and skillfully employed it to capture the attention and impact a broader scope of individuals. The power of language is evident in his choice of words and phrases, as well as in his use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism.
Unlike writers who may concentrate on a specific genre, Shakespeare produced varied styles of plays, offering readers an extensive selection. Between 1591 and 1611, he composed approximately thirty-seven plays representing all major genres: tragedy, comedy, and history. In addition, he authored two lengthy narrative poems, "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece," along with 154 sonnets. Shakespeare employed the power of language to communicate with individuals of different ages and stages within Britain and beyond. This ability to effectively connect with a diverse audience contributes to his status as the world's favorite writer..
Vast knowledge of mankind
Shakespeare's education at King Edward VI's Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon provided him with a foundation in languages. Latin, the primary language of learning during that time, would have been extensively taught, and Shakespeare likely had a strong command of it by the time he completed his schooling at the age of 14. Additionally, his plays demonstrate his knowledge of French, as seen in works such as "Henry V," which contains French words, phrases, and even entire scenes conducted in French.
Shakespeare's multilingualism opened up a world of literature beyond the boundaries of his native country. He drew inspiration from Roman authors and philosophers such as Plautus, Cicero, Seneca, and Juvenal. He was familiar with the works of ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Furthermore, his knowledge of French enriched his vocabulary, as many words in his works have roots in French. French Renaissance writer Michel de Montaigne, known for pioneering the essay as a literary genre, also influenced Shakespeare's works.
Beyond languages and literature, Shakespeare possessed knowledge in a range of fields, including law, geography, history, medicine, and religion. He had an interest in music, and songs played a significant role in his plays.
Living in London during a time of cultural diversity, Shakespeare was exposed to a multicultural environment. The city absorbed immigrants from various regions and countries, allowing Shakespeare to gain a deeper understanding of different beliefs, traditions, customs, and behaviors. This diversity is reflected in his plays, which feature foreign and black characters. Examples include Catherine, the young princess of France in "Henry V," Cleopatra, the dark-skinned Queen of Egypt in "Antony and Cleopatra," and Othello, a black man navigating a white society in the play named after him.
His themes were universal
In literature, themes refer to the underlying messages that writers aim to convey and share with readers. These themes are crucial in creating impactful works that can withstand the test of time and have a lasting impact on society. While some writers focus on themes that are specific to their geographical location and contemporary context, Shakespeare's enduring popularity can be attributed to his incorporation of timeless themes that still resonate with readers today.
One of the reasons why Shakespeare's works have stood the test of time is because he embraced themes that transcend specific time periods. His plays explore universal themes that continue to be relevant in the modern world. Despite being written more than four centuries ago, his works remain popular among a diverse global audience. This enduring popularity is due, in part, to the enduring human experiences and emotions that Shakespeare captures in his plays. Themes such as life, death, race, sex, love, hatred, revenge, betrayal, deception, suffering, order, disorder, and corruption are still relatable and familiar to readers today.
Shakespeare's works have a wide appeal and resonate with readers from various backgrounds and age groups. The themes he explores remain true and captivating, even in the present day. This timeless quality allows his works to remain as compelling and relevant today as they were when they were first created..
He transcended culture
Shakespeare's impact on our world is indeed enduring and his contributions to the English language continue to be celebrated. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Shakespeare played a significant role in standardizing English through his remarkable writings. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the introduction of around 3,000 words to Shakespeare, solidifying his influence on the language.
His literary achievements are unparalleled, with timeless masterpieces such as "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet." These works have resonated with audiences for centuries, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Shakespeare's ability to captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds is a testament to his genius. He wrote for a wide range of people, creating works that have universal appeal and continue to be celebrated as classics of modern English literature.
Shakespeare's universalism is a key factor in the lasting fame of his works. His ability to explore profound human experiences, emotions, and themes speaks to people across generations and cultures. His insights into the human condition continue to be relevant and relatable, making his works enduring and eternally admired.
