Concetti Chiave
- Shakespeare is deeply entrenched in British culture, being the only compulsory author in the UK curriculum and a frequent reference in media and advertising.
- His language has permeated English, with many common phrases originating from his works, showcasing his enduring linguistic influence.
- Shakespeare is often viewed as a timeless author, with his plays considered as some of the greatest literary texts, providing insights into human behavior and values.
- Cultural materialists challenge the traditional view, arguing that Shakespeare's relevance is shaped by historical events and material conditions.
- Despite differing views on his relevance, Shakespeare's work continues to be a significant presence, offering insights into various societal issues.
Shakespeare's influence in British culture
William Shakespeare has become a literary institution,seen by many as the unquestionable center of English studies and a familiar figure to anyone who knows anything about literature. He is the only compulsory author on the national curriculum.this means that it is a legal requirement for anybody educated in the UK to study Shakespeare. He seems to be everywhere in British life. He is quoted in daily newspapers and adapted in advertising. Film studios make Shakespeare's works to prove their artistic credentials. There is a national theater company named after him which is regularly committed to the revival of his works. When you are driving down the M6 motorway,you pass signs indicating the new country you are entering,. Handing over a cheque guarantee card,one presents as a mark of its authenticity a hologram of Shakespear’s dead. In 1999 listeners of BBC Radio’s news and current-affairs programme.
Today,voted Shakespeare the British person of the millennium.
Shakespeare's language and timelessness
The English language is full of Shakespeare’s phrases. As the journalist Henry Bernard pointed out,if you have not slept a wink,refused to budge an ich,made a virtue of necessity,knitted your brows,stood on ceremony,had short shrift,cold comfort or too much of a good thing,you’re quoting Shakespeare. The austrian philosopher Ludwig called him an inventor of language. Shakespear’s friend Ben Jonson wrote that is not of an age,but for all time; this might be the motto of the traditionalists argument for the study of Shakespeare. They assume that his plays are the greatest literary texts and that he is the best teacher of values. He is seen as a font of wisdom and a source of truth about human behavior, both good and bad. What is particularly interesting is that people with very different values find their own values reflected in Shakespeare.
Debate on Shakespeare's relevance
Opposed to the traditionalist arguments are the cultural materialists,critics and thinkers who are mainly interested in the way material factors-like economic conditions and political struggles-have influenced or even created a text. They describe the development of Shakespear’s reputation as the result of historical events.
They oppose the view that text transmit universal values applicable to all people at all times, saying that the time and place in which works were written and are being read are vitally important.In conclusion,regardless of why one thinks Shakespeare has remained relevant,he continues to be a very common presence both in our language and in our lives. His works live on,often providing insights into the relationship between art and politics,literature and history,and important issues like gender,sexuality,class and sexual identity.
Domande da interrogazione
- Why is Shakespeare considered a central figure in British culture and education?
- How has Shakespeare's language impacted the English language?
- What are the differing views on Shakespeare's relevance today?
- In what ways do Shakespeare's works continue to be relevant in modern times?
Shakespeare is seen as a literary institution and the only compulsory author on the UK national curriculum, making his study a legal requirement. His influence permeates British life, from daily newspapers to national theater, and he was voted the British person of the millennium by BBC Radio listeners.
Shakespeare's phrases are deeply embedded in the English language, with expressions like "not slept a wink" and "too much of a good thing" originating from his works. He is credited as an inventor of language, with his friend Ben Jonson stating that Shakespeare is "not of an age, but for all time."
Traditionalists view Shakespeare's works as timeless texts that teach universal values, while cultural materialists argue that his reputation is shaped by historical events and material factors, emphasizing the importance of the context in which his works are read.
Shakespeare's works remain relevant by providing insights into the relationship between art and politics, literature and history, and addressing important issues like gender, sexuality, class, and sexual identity, making him a common presence in language and life.
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